Ritchie-Harrison Papers, 1807/1938, bulk 1830/1870

Location of collection:

College of William and Mary

Special Collections Research Center

Earl Gregg Swem Library

College of William and Mary

400 Landrum Drive

PO 8795

Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795

Contact for questions and access:

Email: spcoll@wm.edu

Phone: (757) 221-3090

Fax: (757) 221-5440

Web: swem.wm.edu/scrc

Restrictions:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Terms of access:

Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Preferred citation:

Ritchie-Harrison Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Summary

Extent:

6.50 Linear Feet

Creator:

Ritchie, Thomas, 1778-1854 and Ritchie family.

Language:

English

Preferred citation:

Ritchie-Harrison Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Background

Scope and content:

Papers, 1807-1938, but mainly 1830-1870, of the Ritchie and Harrison families. Includes letters, documents and a diary of members of the family of Thomas Ritchie, his wife Isabella (Foushee) Ritchie and ten of their twelve children of Richmond, Va., "Brandon," Prince George County, Va. and Washington, D.C.

There are letters, 1847-1848, of Dr. Robert Ruffin Ritchie in Mexico and letters, 1849-1860, of George Ritchie while serving in the United States Navy. Many prominent nineteenth century Virginians are mentioned in the letters. Some concern the actress Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt Ritchie and others reflect conditions during the Civil War.

The collection also includes professional papers of Thomas Ritchie, chiefly letters, 1845-1851, written to him as editor of the Union, the official organ of the Democratic Party. Topics covered include the slavery issue; the annexation of Texas; military and political aspects of the Mexican War; internal improvements; the Wilmot Proviso; the Compromise of 1850; Oregon; and the presidential elections of 1844-1848. The mechanics of publishing a newspaper and Ritchie's problems as Congressional printer are also reflected.

Folders 1-312 are a part of Southern Women and their Families in the 19th Century Papers and Diaries Series C Reels 8 and 9 in Swem Library's microforms area, call number HQ1438 .V5 S68.

The family papers, dating largely 1940-1851, contain family news of the Ritchie family, social news, and mention of many prominent 19th century Virginians. Of particular interst are Robert Ruffin Ritchie's letters from Mexico, 1847-1848; letters of George Ritchie while serving in the U.S. Navy, 1849-1860; Civil War letters reflecting social and economic conditions; and the considerable number of family letters to and from Brandon, home of Ritchie's daughter, Isabella Ritchie Harrison (Mrs. George Harrison). Included are single letters by Benjamin Ewell and John Tyler.

Chiefly letters to her husband, thier children, and her grandson.

Scope and Contents

Expected arrival of Appleton and Ritchie on the boat; William's arrival; Robert's preference for fillmore and not Pierce; isabella's good health; mention of numerous friends; memories of thier "days of courtship"; beginning of the harvest at Brandon; visit to Cabin Point/ 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Attendance at the capitol"; mention of a number of friends and acquaintances; James Wickham's interest in May Parker [?]; location of a flannel chemise; request for news about Anne Eliza; "meeting in Mecklenburg for the purpose of proscribing the Enquirer".

Scope and Contents

Isabella Harrison's health; William in Paris; description of a delightful poet for 150 people; mention of Mr. Mellen "who is a poet and the son of Chief Justice of Maine"; comments about the people who attended the party; Richards wish "to see as much of his father as he could before he went on his circuit"; Thomas Ritchie's dinner "with all the grandees at Col. Peytons"; expected death of "Mrs. Dr. Page"; news about members of the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Chair for Bell; General Washington's birthday cake; Anne Eliza's childhood fondness for Washington; Isabella's attendance at the Centennial Ball; news about various friends; outbreak of scarlet fever. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Pleasure of May Parker's company; Mr. parker's desire that his daughter be like Isabella Harrison; "ball to be given by Commder Patterson"; box recieved from Anne Eliza; motherly concern for Isabella's well being; "visit from Mrs. Judge Tucker"; letter from the Lawrences via Mr.s Lewis. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Virginia's case of scarlet fever; instructions as to how Isabella handled Virginia's illness 'in case Anne Eliza should have it" at Brandon; Mary's attendance at the ball; Siamese twins as "a great curiosity"; bills to be paid; love to all. 3 pp. ALS.

Virginia's recovery from a case of scarlet fever; Isabella Ritchies's great desire to have her daughter visit home; worth of a buttermilk diet; health of Mrs. Page and L. Munford.

Mrs. Ritchie's return to Richmond; shopping done for Isabella and expenses incurred; Mary Newton's health; news about various friends; enclosed also is a note to Isabella from her father. 4 pp. ALS.

Inclement weather preventing Mrs. Ritchies visit to Brandon; desire to see Mrs. Taylor; Mr. Nicholas interest in Evelyn; money recieved from Richard Randolph; letter from William while in Rome; family news; threat to knock General Boyd down with a chair; love to all. 3 pp. ALS

Mrs. Ritchie's desire to accompany Mr. harrison; Mention of Mr. Carter; "spool silk' purchased at Nielsons; apologies for spools sent to Mrs. Powell; primrose flowers selected by Thomas Ritchie; musical party in the parlour; "horrid reports about Ann Coles' and her father's investigation in Richmond. 2 pp. ALS.

Dinner of cod; tea with the Brockenbroughs; evening with Judge Tucker, Brook, and Mr. Nicholas; news about numerous friends. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Evelyn's departure to petersburg and the Ritchie's feeling she was not completely satisfied with her visit; purchase of an expensive dress; pencilled sketch of a "gold hand"; description of Abraham and Sally's wedding; sad death of Anne May; Thomas Ritchie's belief that "there is a reaction rising in Virginia"; desire to have Isabella visit Richmond. 4 pp. ALS.

Mary's Child ill with the thrash; visit from Uncle Carter; no rasberries to preserve; love to those at Brandon. 2 pp. ALS

Concern for Isabella Harrison's health; desire to have Isabella come to Richmond; present of earrings to Mary; dresses sent to Mrs. Ritchie by Mrs. Andrew. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Mention of Governor Barbour; visit from Dr. Nelson; health of Margaret Virginia; Isabella's poor health during her pregnancy her "course of starvation"; "despatches from Great Britian...[and] hoped of an amicable ajustment; letters from William; Margaret's music lesson with Daniel; News about numerous friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Selection of carpets for Isabella H.; mention of Capt. Bigger; decription of the carpets; party at Dr. Watson's comment on teh elaborate turbans worn at the party; "three Pyramids" at Mr. McFarland's "brilliant party'; news about numerous friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"A most cruel disappointment" that Isabella H. did not come to Richmond; Carter Gwathney's engagement; mention of other expected marriages; " Mr. Pendicuris [?] last lecture": "The Whig abuses Mr. Nicholas"; health of Judge Parker. 3 pp. ALS

Mrs. Johnson's fears for her son William; Anne Eliza's letters; paintings done by Mr. Mayor [?] and W. Robertson; description of a picture that Isabella Ritchie found pleasing; shoes for Isabella Harrison; mention of numerous friends; mr. West's portrait of Charlotte Carter; Mr. Leigh's recovery at Fauquier Springs. 4 pp ALS.

Meetings with Mr. [William James] Hubert [Hubard] to discuss painting a miniature; mention of Mr. Byrd; reports about disease in the city; family news. 2 pp. ALS

Evening spent with Miss Ford; George Taylor's peculiar behavior; success of the Ritchie's party and compliments about the good food; Mr. Hubard's painting; death of James Lyons and Anne Gwathney. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Anxiety about the health of the children at Brandon; Margaret's extended visit in Petersburg; payment of a debt at the Farmers Bank; news about numerous friends; Hancoke Chevallin [?] taken prisoner by the Mexicans". 3 pp. ALS

Mrs. Ritchie's health; sermon at St. James; desire to recieve God's mercy and inspiration; purchase of a new servant, Henry; talents possessed by Henry; visit with President Polk's brother; Thomas Ritchie's Illness due to a large "dose of salts'; news about numerous friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Health of Mrs. Mayo and Mary Jane Fulton; mention of Gansevoort Melville, Judge Sutherland, Mr. Davenac [?]; "letters of recomendation from Mr. Van Buren"; post office matter involving Mr. Roane William Ritchie; news about various friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Birth of the Harrison's son and Mrs. Ritchie's responce to the good news. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Charlotte as "a legal witness"; mention of Mr. Gooch; purchase of the Mills in Warwick; bill for a cap and bonnet; comment on Thomas Ritchie's "crisis' and receipt of money through the mail; social engagements in Richmond; note from Mr. Carter "full of reflection upon the uncertainty of life"; whooping cough in town. 4 pp. ALS.

Breakfast with Betsy Coles; Mrs. Ritchie's displeasure with her dressmaker; "grand dinner at Judge Nicholas'" complete with Charlotte Russe and orange ice; mention of Mrs. Gilmer, Dr. Norton, Judge Barlow many others; dinner party given by the Ritchies; family news. 4 pp. ALS

Scope and Contents

Mrs. Ritchie's good health; "anti-Union" feeling among Ritchie's friends; Mrs. Ritchie's desire to have the "brioche cover'; good will to the Prussian painter; flowers in bloom; recipe for bread. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Approaching death of Mary [Ritchie Green?]; visit from Mrs. Mayo; Mrs. Byrd's improved health; Thomas Ritchie declining "the honour of Governor"; vote of a majority of stockholders' at the springs; mention of Dr. Clarke, James Ellis, Dr. Haxale; marriage of Mrs. Moncure to William Selden; death of Dr. Berkeley; Anne Eliza's cold; love to members of the family. 3 pp. ALS.

Jenny's health; Mary's visit in Fredericksburg with the Batons; thanks to Mr. Harrison for his letter. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Purchases made for Isabella by her mother; visitors anticipated at Brandon; dinner party which included a number of married ladies; "going to see the Fire King"; family news. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Enema for Margaret Harrison; basket at Zimmerman's; Judge Mason's insistence that Mrs. Ritchie stay with his family on her next visit; note from Emily Rutherfoord to William; carriage accident; candidates for a judgeship; "personal interview with Admiral Reeside"; evening at the National Hall-"no longer Theatre"; aprons at the Fair. 8 pp. ALS

Thomas Ritchie's suggestion that Mrs. Nicholas and friends be invited to brandon; Mrs. Spear's compliments about the Harrisons; strawberries for dinner; comment on the apricot trees. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Anne Eliza's decision to go to Brandon; Hellibone as a medicine "quite dangerous for married ladies"; two suicide attempts; Mrs. Gooch's health. Included also is a letter Mary Ritchie to Isabella re Mary's departure from the Harrisons and scial events at home. 3 PP. ALS.

Reason why Isabella would prefer that william did not pursue his somewhat serious intentions in regard to a young lady [most likely Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt]; Isabella's health; seals on a Valentine; note that the letter is "Perhaps too strong."

Scope and Contents

Arrival of a check; billiards as a new "passion" for the family; changes in Brandon under George; motherly concern for George; Jeannie McBlair's musical talents; a suprise party at Mr. Freelands; news about various friends and relatives; items Isabella would like purchased. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

request for "Orne Bails" from Fannie Allen; concern for George; cold weather; desire that Charlotte attend the Inauguration; thoughts about George Byrd; care of some geraniums; visit with the Claremonts and the Canadians; news about various friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Arrival of Mr. Cross and a box of peas from Ashburgton; possible visit of Mr. McLean and Mr. Ben Williams with the Gittlngs; health of some friends; "walk in the beautiful grounds of Mr. William Caldwells"; visit to a graveyard; incidence of yellow fever. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Margaret Stone's health; arrival at the Washington Depot; fulfillment of a promise; friends and family in Washington; purchase of books at an auction; Isabella's concern for Margaret's seemingly "hopeless' case; presents recieved by Anne Eliza; "beautiful speciments of Japanese ingenuity" at the President's; desire to recieve some money rather than have it invested. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Mr. Murdaugh as "the Pastor of the Lower Church"; text of Mr. Murdaugh's sermon; Isabella's walk along the river; border around the afghan; visit by George to the Gittings; Margaret's health; red birds in a cage; Dr. Robert's trips to Claremont and his concern over an ice bound vessel. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"statement of the money [Mr. Gittings] paid Isabella last summer and autumn"; present from Cora of one of her books; Cora's "baby Ball--to the children"; news about various friends and relatives; desire that Charlotte write more frequently. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Thanks for letter recieved; money in bank; winter weather around Brandon; loss of Robert's and Bella's boats in the river ice; effect of the weather on plants in the greenhouse; health of one of Bella's carriage horses; presents from George Ritchie; Isabella's wish that George would be sent "in a good Vessel to the Mediterranean" 4 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

Dress made by Miss Vernon; account of Cora's "baby ball"; sleigh ride; comment on Cora's book; request that Mrs. McComas make Isabella "a body of Bombadine"; purchase of other sewing items. 4 pp. ALS.

Purchase of coarse worsted to finish an afghan; Isabella Harrison's relectance to visit the Gittings before they come to Brandon. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Checks to be deposited in Isabella's account at the Cheasepeake Bank; items required for sewing a dress fir Bettie Heath; Mr. Wilson's party; news about members of the family; "Mr. McKims failure". 4 pp. ALS.

Exchange of material; news about several friends; church services performed by Mr. Murdaugh; broken wharf; visit to Claremont. 2 pp. ALS

Scope and Contents

"Beautiful and tranquil" surroundings at Brandon; Mr. Murdaugh's sermon at Cabin Point Church; renovation of Brandon Church; writing desk [for Mr. Murdaugh possibly]; trip to Washington via Richmond; dress for Evelyn Walker; mailing the letter. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Mr. Gittings' health; pleasure from being in Richmond with William Ritchie; dislike for a servant [?]; Beverly and family efforts to have him shipped out of Capt. Davis' boat; "impatience to get off to the Springs"; purchase of books by Shakespeare for William; check to pay Mrs. McComas. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Expected arrival of guests from Richmond; inclement weather; news about various friends; "lessons in the culinary art"; decorations for the church; Mr. Murdaugh's writing desk; caps from Mrs. Irving. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Mr. Murdaugh's desk; sad condition of the Rectory; Mr. Harrison's atttempts to find " a water or hydraulic" bed for his wife; cold weather and bad roads; Nellie's wedding; love to friends and family; death of the McKim's child. 6 pp. ALS

Scope and Contents

Description of a passenger next to Isabella on a train; discussion of fashions in a book; reaction of the passenger to some flowers; "panic about the scarlet fever"; dressmaking instructions to Mrs. McComas. 4 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

Stockings purchased for a trip to Canada; blossoming of flowers; "a perfect passion for a real diamond ring"; gift to Mrs. Willis Bocock; request for violent vases; pastel by artist Guillaume of a Harrison picture.

Scope and Contents

Towels recieved from Charlotte; attempts to find a ring; visit from Miss Abby Rose; Mr. harrison's attachment to Ellen; improvements made at Brandon; desire to procure a blackberry vine and a cutting from a "Holy Ghost" plant. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

George Ritchie's desire to obtain "an exact statement of his finances"; visitors expected soon at Brandon; planting "Ivy around the old Colonial Ruins at Jamestown"; Charlotte's poor health; mention of Isabella's "grand Nephew Lietenant Lee" as a "great acquisition to our family"; condition of the wheat and corn crops. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Thick solid shoes" expected from Watkins; orders for George Ritchie to depart for Panama with the Navy; Margaret's health; mention of Mr. Millson and White Sulphur Springs; "Dr. Buchlus opinion of Dear 'Sister Pollie'". 4 pp. ALS

Capt. Reno to Utah; mention of numerous friends; Mr. Radzimiskis' [?] blistered throat; walk with Mr. Carr; desire to have the Gittings travel to the Springs. 4 pp. incomplete. AL.

Thanks for a Christmas present; death of Mary's baby; details about the funeral; mention of Capt. Reno; Christmas company with the Ritchies; decorations on the tree; distribution of the presents to everyone including the servants. 4 pp. incomplete. AL.

Charlotte's improved health; family news; marriage of Minny Hunt; expected visit with Counsin Mary; Addie L. as a new church member; problem with Margaret's servant. 4 pp. incomplete. AL.

Health of a number of people; presents fo L. Nicholas John Koim, the florist; Wiliam's letter upsetting to Mrs. Ritchie; contrast of "the Hill' to Ashburton; visit with Dr. Hale; love to members of the family; Mrs. Ritchie's finances. 4 pp. Al.

Charlotte's health; Isabella's suggestion that Charlotte wear flannel to protect her body in winter; news about Mr. Wyman; purchase of a desk; desire to find a wife for George Marne [?]. 4 pp. ALS.

Check to Charlotte. Charlotte's improved health; Belle's interest in a school; visitors at Brandon; love to Mr. Gittings. Enclosed also is a letter to Charlotte from Annie Ritchie Cross re Isabella Ritchie's good health; check for payment of some caps; comment on Charlotte's health; harvest at Brandon; news about various friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Hoped for arrival of Thomas Ritchie; exchange of some earrings; Mr. Drew to Cabin Point; comment on William Ritchie's fiancee, news about numerous friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Letters recieved from Charlotte Wickham and Belle Harrison; caps to be taken to Baltimore; use of some velvet material; ride to Dr. Osborne's with Belle; invitation to Henry Wise to preach. 4 pp. ALS.

Jeannie in Richmond with her friend Susan; check for Christmas gifts for the servants; visit of Charlotte Lee while her husband is busy at the White House; Bell's efforts to get the churches ready for Christmas; Mr. Wise for President; news about numerous friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Description of something fragrant that Isabella makes; meeting Mr. Murdaugh in Richmond; mention of Mrs. Lear; letter to Bessie; Mr. Gittings' sudden Illness. 4 pp. incomplete. AL

Desire to have Anne come to White Sulpher; compliemtns about some slippers; Mrs. Theodore Lee's fancy ball; mention of numerous people; sermon from Joseph Willmer; inquiry about a ring Mrs. Ritchie ordered; writing lessons for Mrs. Ritchie. 4 pp. ALS.

Money to Charlotte; appointment of a trustee; Mr. Cross' helpful administrations; Isabella Harrison's health; under sleeves knit by the McKims. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Plans to see Margaret; Jennie "being bent of deeds of good intent"; attempts to improve the church rectory; mention of the Murdaughs; health of William Kent [?]; Dr. Osborne's prediction about Mrs. William Harrison's chances of living "till warm weather"; desire to have a cap made; love to members of the family. 4 pp. AL.

Boxes left at home of William Ritchie; marriage of Mr. Whiting's brother; arrival of a trunk; Isabella's check; variety of expensive purchases; note to Margaret from one of her sisters. 4 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

"Cause of anger...against vile yankees"; reference to Queen Elizabeth; news about John Willcox's family; blossoms from the magnolia trees: "makee haste abd drub the Yankees".

Scope and Contents

Belle Harrison's decision "to let no one open the mail again but herself"; "stunning effect of the great victory of Sunday last" [1st Bull Run]; events that Isabella wished could take place after such a victory; Mr. Hammond's recovery from the measles. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Belle and Jeannie "revising the Signals"; flag of truce and note from Ben; William Ritchie's poor health; watermellon from Mr. Murdaugh; expected "seventeen thousand bushel wheat"; mention of numerous friends and relatives. 4 pp. ALS.

Ms Poem. 1 p.

Scope and Contents

Health of one attended by Dr. Stone; visit to Brandon by Mr. Gittings; letters recieved; "Box of French and German wines"; love to various friends; enjoyment of an afternoon boat ride. 4 pp. ALS.

Sympathy expressed to the Ritchie family by the Royal Arch, Chapter No. 3 on the death of Thomas Ritchie Jr. 1 p. ALS.

Condolences on the death of Thomas Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Thank yous given for all the Christmas presents recieved; Isabella's concern over George Ritchie's naval career and general well being; desire that George be ordered to the Mediterranean; sleigh ride in the snow; loss of Robert's and Bella's boats; care for a man whose leg was amputated; comments on Cora Ritchie's book; recipes for "Uncle Tommy's bread cakes" and "snow bread"; news about friends. 10 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Cao for Mrs. Nicholas; mention of numerous friends; special dinner for "the celebrated Mr. Crawford"; "delightful evening...at the Governors". 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Death of Rev. Mr. Chrisholm; Mrs. Ritchie's feeling that "it is immoral for the very poor people to marry"; family news; Anne's health; present romances; purchase of a puppy for the Orgains; mention of several friends. 4 pp. incomplete. ALS.

Isabella's finances; payment of debts; Jeeannie's desire to stay at Brandon; visit with Murdaugh family; mention of a number of friends; book given the Ritchies as a Christmas present. 4 pp. incomplete. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Family news; purchase of a wax doll; mention of "green backs"; Christmas greeting; Major lewis' marriage; Ellen's new son, Jefferson Randolf. 3 pp. ALS.

Visit to the White House; mention of Lincoln; reference to fighting in South Carolina; visit from Washington Gwathney; "subject of the lace shawl "; bills to be paid. 4 pp. incomplete. AL.

Scope and Contents

New dress selected by Mrs. Snooks; pattern desired for "Trooper drawers"; pretty braid for Mrs. Snead. 1 p. incomplete. AL.

Desire to have information about the Ritchie family in Richmond. 2 pp. ALS.

Chiefly letters to parents, brothers, and sisters, children, and miscellaneous letters to George and Isabella Ritchie Harrison including several to thier daughter Belle Harrison.

Scope and Contents

Health of Anne Eliza; Isabella's attack of dyspepsia; Jenny as a "happy and good" child; King's Mill plantation near Williamsburg; letter from Mr. Rives; greetings to members of the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Guests presently at Brandon; congregation at church and an Easter sermon; marriage of Mrs. Orgain's housekeeper to Mr. Edloe's overseer; presents desired for Belle's birthday; lengthy list of items that Isabella would like Anne E. to purchase for Brandon. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Thanks for "kindness to George"; Mother's health and suggestion that she brought to Brandon; mention of numerous visitors at Brandon; mention of a lecture by [Charles?] Minnigerode; greetings to the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Thank you for letters; trip to Richmond; return home of isabella's daughter; "Ole Bull's concert in Richmond"; rearranging portraits in the parlour; news about family members and friends; request that George have mrs. Lowe make "2 other white cords and tassels"; motherly advice to George to "ever aim at excellence in all things..." 4 pp. AL.

Plans to meet each other in Washington; Marriage of Uncle William; relatives visiting Brandon; commencement of the Harvest at the Rowe. 3 pp. ALS.

Disappointment that Mrs. Ritchie did not travel to Capon Springs; willingness of Mr. Cross to leave Capon Springs; travel schedule; weather in the mountains; mention of a number of visitors at the Springs; games the young people amuse themselves with; family news. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Circumstances under which Belle wrote her last letter to George; task of playing the piano; apples in the parlor; visits from Mr. Byrd and William Cross; Including letter to George from Isabella H. Harrison re motherly hopes for her son and news concerning friends and relatives. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Servant for George at school; weather and navigation on the river; business of UNcle George in Petersburg; Isabella's boat; motherly advice to George "to bear what is unavoidable quietly". 4 pp. ALS

Enjoyment of a visit with Charlotte despite Isabella's eye trouble; party at Mary Millson's; health of Mrs. Ritchie; selection of graveside monuments for Tom Ritchie, Jr. and his Father; love to the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Fine health of their mother; visitors presently at Brandon; improvement in Polly's condition; chairs presented by William to the Church; Isabella's knitting; plant of white jessamine for Charlotte. 4 pp. AL.

Gittings' inability to visit Brandon; John's health; Harrison's stay in the mountains; draught and its effect on the corn crop; pencilled notes on one page in another hand-possibly a grocery list. 4 pp. ALS.

Travel schedule to Lower Brandon; request that rooms be prepared for the visit; mention of companionship of Ilsie Heileman; family news. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Meeting with Robert Walker and Peter V. Daniel; Belle's missing baggage; effort to locate William; "cordial reception" by Sallie Harrison; [Charles?] Minniegerode's success as a minister; George Byrd at Cousin Maria's; George at the University; mention of various other friends and relatives. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Isabella's reduced expenditures resulting from the failure of the corn crop; slection of a wedding present for Isabella's nephew, George H. Byrd; health of "sister Polly" at Upper Brandon; Isabella's bad cough; visit of Englishman, Mr. Dunlop; cold weather with ice on the river; "the double Wickham wedding". 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Drive to Brandon Church to hear Mr. Murdaugh"; Dr. Osborne to Berkeley; "rheumatic affection" in Isabella's shoulder; health of "sister Polly"; number of visits made between Cabin Point and Montpelier; loss of some articles for Mrs. Murdaugh; "Mary Millson's distress about her disgraced maid". 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Isabella's pleasure on recieving her mother's letter; mention of Adeline Mayo and Joesphine Gracie; George's friendship with Mr. Gracie; health of "Sister Polly"; marriage of Dr. Osborne; condition of the Rectory; absense of Dr. Robert; visit of Mr. and Mrs. Davis; love to members of the family; celebration of Jamestown. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Isabella's trip to Richmond; Cellie's health; drying Mr. Murdaugh's rain soaked furniture; visit from Fanny Allen and the Simpsons; an "occurence so sad and so mortifying"; "46 candidates for Confirmation" in Richmond; George's orders to sail on the Saratoga; marriage of Cellie's brother; wedding reception for Dr. Osborne and his new bride. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Convulsions suffered by "Sister Polly"; dresses for Belle; Mr. Mann's music; visits from John Lay, Jonathon Smith, Leonidas, the Murdaughs, and the McCandlishs. 4 pp. ALS.

Pleasure derived by the Gittings' visit to Brandon; desire that Mr. Gittings allow Charlotte to have her portrait done by an artist, Mr. Guillaume, at Brandon in May. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Trip to Richmond; "Mr. Everett's Lecture on Washington"; Belle's portrait; Anne Eliza's May visit to Brandon; Mr. Guillaume's apparent need of work; extension of Belle's stay with Gittings in Baltimore; death of Mr. taylor, the sexton; purchse of cologne in Washington. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Visit of Mr. and Mrs. Simpson and Dr. Ben Harrison and bride; Polly's health; request for several household items ; frame for a "piece of worsted work"; purchase of tea tables; George's and Belle's visit to the Gittings in Baltimore; portraits by Mr. Guillaume. 4 pp. AlS.

Scope and Contents

Barrel of broken china for Charlotte's "Tinker" to mend; Margaret's accident at Upper Brandon; poor health of Mrs. Thomas Ritchie; news about various friends; rustic furniture; return of Dr. Robert from Claremont; love to members of the family; Mr. Guillaume's proposed portrait of Mrs. Thomas Ritchie in November. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Jennie's visit to Imo[gene] Lyons in Richmond; Jennie's "affair du cour"; company at Brandon; George Harrison as a "corporal of a Troop of Horse"; unfavorable weather and threat of worms for the crops; Belle's coming of age and management of "her own financies"; trip to Dr. Robert's farm, Indiana fields on the York River; family news. 4 pp. incomplete. AL.

Scope and Contents

Jennie's company on a trip to Richmond; health of Mrs. Thomas Ritchie; visits with Mrs. Turnbull, Major Lee, Mrs. John Tabb; Annie's baby; "distress of the Gittings' family"; mention of Mrs. McBlair, Mrs. Col. Harris, Mr. Richard Randolph, Captain Williams, Wainwright Heileman, Margaret Stewart. 6 pp. ALS.

Nostalgic sentiments about past Christmases and family reunions; Jennie Calwell's cold; Christmas guests at Brandon; decorations in the churches; news about various friends; foods on hand over the holidays. 8 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Unexpected visit of Robert Page who is "doctoring the Wounded Yankees in Richmond"; beating given John McKim; Randolph Harrison at the battle of Stone Bridge; "address of Johnston and Beauregard to our soldiers"; expected attack on Newport News; mention of General Magruder; Ben's promotion to Quarter Master; shirts for George. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Shipments of hay; Reuben and a promisory note; purchase of bacon; "Barrel of sugar for the sick"; news about friends and family; check for Mr. Murdaugh; presents of sturgeon and a muskmelon. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Variety of Visitors at Brandon; mention of the Battle of Bethel; death of Carter Harrison at Bull Run; plundering of provisions at Ampthill; report that George is "a noble fellow"; purchase of "200 Horses for the Army". 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"The Smithfield disaster"; condition of the Confederate army; "last acts [of Congress] with regard to currency and the Army"; selling of some bonds; "procuring corn and forage in Charlotte"; George's Harrison position at dublin; mention of General Breckinridge; disposal of the servants; pencilled notes in another's hand. 4 pp. incomplete. AL.

Scope and Contents

Death of Anne Eliza; mention of Dr. Chatard, Bishop Johns, Mary Hagner's husband [Mr. Nelson]; preservation of the body; search for Mr. Cross; questions about Brandon; supplies of coffee, suger, and bacon; "difficulty in getting white seed wheat"; harships face by many Southern friends during the war; opening of a Commission House in New York by George Byrd and Mr. Gregg. 8 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Disposition of "the Washington House"; Mr. Welles' desires about renting terms; financial considerations if the house is sold; Belle's delayed return from the mountains; check to George Harrison; "time for putting in a crop"; news of family and friends; government compensation to Southerners for thier servants; copy of two letters enclosed-"Mr. Cross to the Doctor" and "Mr. Cross to Wm. Stone" 6 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"General Lee's war hat"; news about various friends; General Graham's expedtion to Brandon; meeting between Shirley Randolph Harrison a Nothern woman who had some pieces of music from Brandon; Negroes "at N. Wales and Broadneck who desire to retain the land"; possibility of returning to Brandon; enclosed is a copy of a letter from S.A. Dulton from Ashford, Conn., re a family Bible. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Correspondence from Mr. Cross; need for sister Margaret "to see Mr. Chew about Mr. Mason's property"; visit of Randolph and Shirley Harrison; goods stolen from Brandon during the war; Mr. Dulton's return of a family Bible; plants and flowers at Brandon; Negroes at North Wales and Broadneck who "wish to occupy the soil"; mention of the Freedmen's Bureau; possble sale of Westover. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Mr. Corcoran's offers of fincancial assistance; possible loan of $3000; Mr. Chew's efforts on behalf of the Masons; George's Harrison receipt of Mr. William Harrison's cows. Mention of the late resident of Dr. Brockenbrough's house [Jefferson Davis]. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Disappointment in not receiving news of Belle and her brother; visit with Mr. Reed, the new Pastor; George's health; profit realized from "two fruit vessels"; news of other friends and family members. 2 pp. ALS.

Pleausres of the Baths for Belle; weather; trip to Richmond and then home; apologies for such a hasty letter. 2 pp. ALS.

Robert's trip to Richmond; Mann Page's letter about the weather around Brandon; family news. 2 pp. ALS.

Visit with Margaret; letter to Mann Page about the weather; Charlotte's flattering letter. 2 pp. ALS.

News from Brandon; Isabella's stay with Margaret; Mrs. Thomas Ritchie's will; hope that the weather is not to coold; family news; Mr. Corcoran's departure for Europe; love to Mann [Page] and all the servants and neighbors. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Isabella's health; arrival of company to Brandon; "gathering flowers for Hollywood"; family news; vegetables and fruits on hand as well as ice. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Excrutiating rheumatism" afflicting Carter; desire that Isabella visit Broad neck; self portrait as "a poor, gloomy forlorn long beardef, horrid wretch, wrapped in flannel pepper Rum"; favor of having several shirts made for Carter's son, Charles. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Proposed visit to Brandon in May; Charlotte's company as "a source of great comfort"; letters to Isabella Ritchie requesting news about the Harrisons; Isabella Harrison's poor health and Carter's suggestion that she make a trip to the Hot Springs. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Inefficency of the "Jackson post offices"; Charlotte's health; end of the harvest and expected good prices for the crop; pleasure of staying at Brandon; desire that a mutual friend no longer deprive himself "of that first, greatest sweetest most indispensable of blessings, a wife"; love to members of the family. 3 pp. ALS.

Reference to a precious stone found by Coles at Brandon; jeweled setting made for the gem and its presentation to Isabella. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Subject of a warrant for William E. Hopkins" apology for such a long delay in answering George's letter; little possibility that a midshipmen's position would be available for Mr. Hopkins; desire to visit Brandon again. 3 pp. ALS.

Appraisal of the estate of George E. Harrison and lands in Prince George County. 1 p. Ms.

Scope and Contents

Change of plans in regard to a visit to Brandon; payment of "one or two very small neighborhood debts" $15 to aunt Abby; death of Julia; work to be done by some carpenters; love to members of the family; news of Robert Walker's journey to Salt River. 3 pp. ALS.

Pain suffered by Taylor and his continued state of poor health; disregard given to physician's advice; tournament in front of Taylor's house and a description of the events and crowd; fancy ball and the loss of a borrowed jewel; love to members of the family. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Anticipation of Belle's visit to Spring Garden; Taylor's "very gentle health"; family news; need "to convince the people of the greater security of small and short credits, and cash dealings"; efforts to locate Tom in Petersburg; love to members of the family. 3 pp. ALS.

Lyons' regrets that he cannot accept the harrison's invitation to join them for a Christmas dinner. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Safe arrival in Philadelphia; expression of "heartfelt thanks" for the hospitality recieved at Brandon; interest in Thomas Ritchie's health; appretiation of Jenny's flowers; love to everyone at Brandon. 4 pp. ALS.

Receipt of a pitcher by Isabella; invitation to visit Brandon; death of Captain Mallory; best wishes to Anne Eliza; Robert Ritchie's decision to settle near Brandon; health of Isabella Ritchie; Mrs. Parker to Washington for the winter. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Present of "a pair of Cuff Pins" from Belle to her mother. 1 p. AL.

Invitation for Isabella and her daughter to stay with the Rutherfoords during the convention in Richmond. 4 pp. ALS.

Inedible figs that arrived from Richmond; problems encountered by Mr. Volmar over covering a chair; Robert Ritchie's health; included are some pencil sketches and notes on the envelope. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Receipt of a box at the Adams Express office; spectacles to be mailed; landing of Bella's furniture at the wharf; "outrage of "the Harper's Ferry affair" arrest of Capt. Cooke at Carlisle; belief that "the whole party...ought to be executed whether insane or not"; George Harrison's new carriage. 2 pp. ALS.

Material used by Mr. Vollmar to cover Isabell's furniture; shipping arrangements for the furniture; purchase of a piano; love to members of the family. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Arrival in Richmond and meeting with George's sister; "trip to Christiansburg after army horses"; mention of Bull Run; Yankee prisoners in the hospital; health of Sister Annie; news about various friends; included also is a letter undated from Isabella H. Harrison to George Harrison re statement from Mr. Cross; Sale of wheat; material for the servants' clothing. 8 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Anticipation of letters in the mail; reference to a mutual friend Rich. S. Scriveller; dinner "with Lady Ward, mother of the Earl of Dudley"; ride on an "English Cavalry Charger"; discussion of the British politics; request for a photograph; wedding in Paris. 8 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Check recieved from Isabella; bill from Forbes; mention of kindnesses done by Isabella; successful reception for 400-500 persons. Included also is a letter 27 November 1865, Isabella H. Harrison, Washington, to Doctor [Robert R. Ritchie], Brandon Re; total amount required for repairs; purchase of cows; advertisement for servants; Belle to the dentist; news about two marriages; hiring of white laborers. 4 pp. ALS.

49 verses composed by Pinkney about Brandon. 14 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Details of Laulie Eustis' death; grief og J.W. Corcoran; Perkins' vacation to Switzerland and Germany; description of the Perkins' life in Paris;"no intercourse between the Northern Southern people" in Paris; news concerning a number of common acquaintances. 8 pp. ALS.

Announcement of Shenstone's engagement to August Emma Grace Knapp of the Brownrigg family. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Invitation to attend the annual picnic of "the Sunday School at Brandon Church". 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

appreciation of news from Brandon; "bringing the representatives of the Lafayette family to the Yorktown Celebration in the Trenton"; invitation to Belle to visit the "Trenton" when it docks at Hampton Roads; "certain degree of regret" felt upon leaving Europe; description of the Charms of Nice; places visited along the Mediterranean--Touion, Marseilles, Genoa, Elba, Corsica, Straights of Messina, etc. 8 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Parker's thanks to Page for some service rendered; charges for hauling a boat. Included also is a letter 25 Aug, 1881 from Isabella H. H[arrison, Washington, to [Belle R. Harrison], [New York]. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Photograph given to "Mr. Laughlin's friends at Brandon"; description of the photograph; mention of the "many kindnesses...shown to my son's friends". 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Easter greetings...to...dear friends at Brandon"; present of bookmarks to thank for a box of ivy sent by Mr. Jefferson Harrison. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reminescennces about Belle and her mother; pleasent company at Massanitto last summer; desire to hear from and about the Harrison family; questions about Harrison genealogy; possible descent of Benjamin Harrison from "john Harrison adjutant General of Cromwelles army". 2 pp. ALS.

References to Isabella Ritchie Harrison. Ms. Poem. 2 pp.

Scope and Contents

Invitation to Sheppard "to come to Brandon and make a copy of the portrait of Colonel Byrd"; Sheppard's "duties as a teacher at the Mechanics Institute" in Richmond; desire to have certain measurements of the portrait noted on a piece of transparent paper; difficulties encountered in making a full length portrait of Byrd from Belle's picture; sketch of Byrd included in the letter. 3 pp. ALS.

Blessings to the Harrisons for thier remembrance of French at Easter; French's health and celebration of his 75th birthday; love to everyone at Brandon. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Pictures from Mary's "dear Brandon friends"; brief visit in Philadelphia before returning to the Pacific Coast; "heartfelt thanks" to Miss Ritchie and Mrs. Isabella Harrison. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Inquiry about Isabella Harrison's health; Charles' suffering due to "consumption of the jaw"; "idea of putting the Cabin Point organ in the Claremont Church"; offer to acquire an organ or piano for the new school house; anticipation of "a weeks shooting in January down on the James River". 2 pp. ALS.

Straw hat for Belle; Mrs. Ritchie to Washington; Lizzie Nicholas in Philadelphia; mention of Sally Harrison and her departure from Tree Hill. 3 pp. ALS.

Solicitation of aid for a church in Petersburg. 1 p. ALS.

Newsabout the seriousness of Anne Eliza's poor health; suggestion that someone from the family take a trip to Winchester to see Anne; mention of Ben Harrison, Mrs. Nicholas, Miss Greenhow, and Mr. Cole. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Spirits of turpentine as a beneficial treatment of scarlet fever; attempt to see Mary Millson; description of Dr. Andrews and his diagnosis of Charlotte's health; mention of "the splendid ship the Pennsylvanian"; Judge Tucker of Williamsburg as a fellow passenger; love to members of the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Health of Custis; mention of Belle White; "nice things for the invalid"; Mrs. Cocke's health; visit with Capt. Edmund; "love to Ole Miss you Belle" 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Purchase of corn around Halifax; impressment of food "for families of the soldiers"; destruction of property at Brandon. Included also is an incomplete letter undated from [?] to Belle re death of a child; lack of surplus corn to share. L. 2 pp.

Two of which are very similar. 7 pp. Ms.

Return of Robert Ritchie's Bible which Dulton took from Brandon when the Harrison's home was burned during the Civil War. Included also is a copy of a letter from W.B.B. Cross, Boston, to Captain [?], 29 Oct. [?]. Re; sale of the house on the square. 1 p. Cy.

Invitation to the Harrison family, Isabella Ritchie, Virginia Ritchie, and Mr. Drew to visit the Wyman's in Baltimore. 8 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Letters by Margaret Ritchie Stone to her mother, brothers, and sisters, 1829-1873 undated and miscellaneous letters to MRS and manuscripts, including a poem about Brandon by MRS and a diary kept while on a visit to Brandon by MRS's daughter, 1871.

Cousin Betsey's improved health; love for William; death of Sarah Aylett's brother; toys purchased at the Fair. Included also is a letter 3 Feb. 1829, Robert Ritchie to Isabella, re brother George's misfortune; death of Betsey Kaye and Samuel Myers; hope that Isabella will visit soon. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Trip to Washingon of thier parents and sister Mary; illness of Daniel Triplett at the University; news about Uncle Parker; purchase of "a handsome head-dress and bonnet"; Dr. nelson's retirement; Dr. Starke's wedding; love from the family. 2 pp. ALS.

Motherly description of a child; Isabella's health; letter from sister Mary; Watson's visit to Monticello; other general news of friends and family. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Margaret's "shopping expedition"; difficulty in purchasing desired items; account of goods bought for Isabella; love to members of the family. 3 pp. ALS.

Letter to Mrs. Cabell; reason for Cousin William's visit; mention of Mrs. Moncure Robinson; way various evenings were spent; invitation to a musical party. 4 pp. ALS.

Apologies for lack of correspondence; strict surroundings at Margaret's school; Christmas preparations at Brandon; love to various friends and relatives; French as the required language throughout the day; mention of numerous people. 4 pp. ALS.

Details of Margaret's journey; effect of seeing so many crippled people at Hot Springs; reaction to the water and baths at Hot Springs; love to members of the family. 3 pp. ALS.

Detailed description of Margaret's new home and the furniture in it; quality of the servants; Margaret's feelings about being away from her home and family; love to members of the family. 5 pp. ALS.

Thanks for the purchase of a Christmas present for Anna Miller; gift of an ale mug for Dr. Stone; Christmas tree expected by the family; invitation to Charlotte to spend the holidays in Washington; news about members of the family; note included from Anne Eliza to Charlotte about the Christmas holidays and the desire to see each other.

health of Thomas Ritchie; desire to acquire a one horse carriage for TR; attempt to purchase one thru Radznimski; request that Bella loan her carriage. 4 pp. AL.

Margaret's outings over the past three weeks; thank yous for letters recieved; Cora Semmes [?] wedding; selection of a bridal present; description of a pair of vases; details of Cora's wedding and the Catholic service; news about friends and family. 6 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Departure of Aunt Dolly; trip to Ashburton; invitation from Charlotte; productions by "Strahosh' opera troubles"; Charlotte Henderson's wedding; death of Richard Randolph; Isabella's eye trouble; Isabella Ritchie's "lengthy description of Niagara"4 pp. AL.

Death of Maria Wright; care of Margaret's children; need for more servants; Robert at Hot Springs; news about friends and family; death of Dr. Canston; Cora in Boston; "Ellen Key's book 'Bread for my children'"; 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Christening of Margaret's baby; preparations "to sumon the members of the family to Church"; the baby's wardrobe; Margaret's desire that the baby go to Charlotte if anything should happen to her. 4 pp. ALS.

Greetings for the new year; thanks for the children's Christmas presents; reception of holiday visitors; comment on the lovely dressed and jewelry worn by some ladies; request that Charlotte be godmother to Margaret's son; death of Randall Heymen; greetings to friends and relatives. 4 pp. ALS.

Return from Brandon with several members of the family; christening of Margaret's son; congradulations to Mrs. Williams; poor health of Isabella Ritchie; note included from Anne Elize to Charlotte. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Charlotte's poor health and need to be treated in New York by Dr. Sims; Jenny's desire to accompany Charlotte to New York; "death of Mary Frances little Bessie, who died with scarlett fever"; nurse for Mr. Wards children; entertainment in Baltimore while visiting the Gittings; mention of numerous friends; description of an elaborate wedding. 6 pp. AL.

Purchases for Mrs. Ritchie and thier shipment to her in a trunk; delight of eating current jelly with mutton; materials for dresses and bonnets; health of the Stone family; news about friends and relatives; box of dry goods sent to Richmond. 4 pp. ALS.

Arrangements for a visit of a friend with Charlotte's family; no news from Brandon; printed accounts of the war; early baloon ascention near Washington; mention of Butler and Beauregard; death of Mr. McLean. 4 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

"the bustle of rolling waggons and passing soldiery"; "anticipation attack upon Alexandria"; mention of General Beauregard; Dr. Stone's attendance to wounded soldiers; "feeling of emnity to all Southerners"; Margaret's cautiousness about expressing her true feelings about the war; William Ritchie's return to Richmond while Cora remained in Paris; friends killed in battle; "talk of confiscating property"; destructiion of Richmond's elite black horse company. 8 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

Visit with Virginia Smith; death of Mrs. Crome[?]; bowl of dahlias; concern for "poor Erskine" and willingness to write his mother; "grand display of military" and comments by "foreigners attached to the staff"; dinner with a cavaltry officer; "female spies in Balt as well as in Washington"; sale of some beautiful lace; "no fear of war in our midst"; marriage of Cynthia Tucker to Dr. Coleman of Williamsburg. 4pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

Directions about sending letters; "possibility of communicating with our Va friends"; troop movements; identification of Margaret as Dr. Stone's wife; meeting with Eliza Bell; "bombardment of Charleston"; state of an old house once owned by the Ritchies; sale of property. 5 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

"Movements of the Braton party"; expected visit of Isabella harrison's daughter; treatment of general Presport's child who has epileptic fits; petitions for amnesty by Virginians; purchase of "Cameron" for the coopers; mention of Mrs. John Mason, Major Silsey [?], Wm. Harrison, and Col. Rutherfoord; acquisition of a new leg for Ran harrison. 4 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

Letter requesting aid for "a noble young Confed, thrown upon the community of New Orleans"; help from the State Dept. in regard to Mr. mason's farm; "petition for Mr. Dan's release"; mention of Mrs. Coleman; love to members of the family. 2 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

Visit from Wm. Cross; memories of Anne Eliza; opportunity to meet General Lee, "the greatest man living"; description of the General and the impression he made on the Stone children; death of Mrs. Riley; William Ritchie's stay with the Stones; Palmer's "magnificent music"; "violent speeches...in consequence of the President's veto". 4 pp. ALS.

Sale of a house in Presott's Square; problems encountered with the sale due to Robert Ritchie's death and possible will; need to present the legal problems about the house in court; news about members of the famil; relative [perhaps John Gittings] being names president of a bank; foot operation with a local anasthetic; William's desire to have Robert's winter cloak. 6 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

"Justice to those, who have suffered so much from the war"; difficulty of some members of the family to pay thier portion of a debt; inheritence from Thomas Ritchie's will; unjust "repay[ment] [of] a debt that has already been cancelled". 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Payment of an "infamous debt" and the efforts made by the Stone's to pay William's share of that debt out of thier own stock; financial arrangements made with John Gittings; family news; mention of numerous friends at the Cape; celebration of Ritchie's birthday at an ice cream parlor; Dr. Andrews as a "most unhappy person about the state of the country". 5 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

Advice given by Dr. Miller in regard to the effect of some pills; considerable illness at Brandon; visit with Mrs. Prickett; news about various friends; death of Dr. Olds; Family news; "superb peaches on our trees"

Scope and Contents

Jenny's visit to Dr. Shelden in Norfolk; travel arrangements to Washington and the Baths; Mr. Gittings' poor health; family news; effect of poor crops on Eliza's finances; threat of typhoid fever; "arrival of Mrs. Jackson with 34 pieces of luggage" filled with "every convievable...piece of finery"; presents given by Mrs. Jackson. 8 pp. Al.

Scope and Contents

Belle's health; Margaret's unhappiness over not being able to visit Brandon in the Spring; possiblity of sending Eliza to Brandon "to see her friends"; Mrs. Tiffany's indignation in regard to "the braclet story"; "account of the Bishop's courtship and marriage"; bouquetto mrs. Cummins; good weather for "Anne's Boston trip"; delicious sausage from Charlotte. 4 pp. AL.

Plans of several friends to make an unexpected visit to the Harrison's home; mention of Ann Johnson, Maria Gwathney, Kate Gamble, Julia Watson, Bernard Carter, Mrs. Orgain; health of members of the Ritchie family. 1 p. ALS.

Shipment of a trunk to Mrs. Ritchie; contents of the trunk; payment of bills; money to Belle for a dress; visit with Annie; love to friends ans family. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Health of thier mother; Robert's visit with Jeff Davis; visit with various friends and acquaintances; mention of Maj. French as "a defaulter to the Government". 2 pp. ALS.

Regret that Isabella did not spend the Fall with Margaret and her family; support for an orphan's home; Charlotte's health; Addie Douglas' attack of pleurisy; nonarrival of Annie's china; clerical matter that appeared in the paper; mention of Bishop Meade; love to members of the family; recipe for tarragon. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Letters from White Sulpher Springs; Isabella Ritchie's request that Margaret "attend to her commission" about a ring; payment of several bills for Isabella; purchase of lettuce [?] soap; desire that Charlotte visit Margaret; present "dullness of Washington'; news about friends and relatives. 4 pp. AL.

Visit of Belle's daughter and Bob; damage to a trunk on the train; travel schedule of Belle and Bob; receipt of a letter from isabella. 2 pp. Al.

Scope and Contents

Illness in the Stone family; recipe for "Green Tomato Pickle"; rasperry plant for Charlotte; love to various relatives. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Correspondence to Richmond; precautions to take when writing; visit with Anne Eliz; loss of the Cross' home; Margaret as "a manager of the Church Home"; query about a lost chemise; news about Margaret's children. 4 pp. Al.

Visit from Jenny and Bella; George in Richmond and his failure to attend a wedding; borrowing table mats; purchase of a pair of gloves; love to members of the family. 4 pp. AL.

By Jane Southall [?] Stone, daughter of Margaret Ritchie Stone. Includes mention of a Mr. Campbell, "third son of Lord Campbell, the late Lord Chief Justice of England," who visited brandon during Jane's stay. 26 pp. Ms. Diary.

Scope and Contents

Expression of Corcoran's pleasure over the use of "the cane presented by Louis XVI to Genl. Washington" 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Acknowledgement of receipt of wedding invitation for Margaret's daughter and George B. harrison; congratulations to the couple and "sincere wishes for thier continued prosperity and happiness". 1 p. ALS.

Desire to have the picture of Thomas Ritchie that hangs in the Tappahannock Court Room replaced with an oil painting of him; enveiling ceremony of the first picture; mention of Mr. Wright's kinship to the Ritchies through the Roane family lines. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Virginia;s plans to leave; Aunt Eliza's improved health. Included also is a letter from [Margaret R. Stone] to [?] re Annie Parker's letter; Anne Eliza's health; Catherine's excitement about going home; purchase of "spice powder"; "nothing from the South, except the sickening accounts of the papers about that last [?] battle" 4 pp. ALS.

2 pp. Ms. Poem.

Two letters by Ritchie, 1846 1852

Answer to message recieved from J. H. Pleasants; reasons for protesting the conditions of the duel; Ritchie's decision to appear despite his objections. 2 pp. Cy.

Kindness done to Thomas and William by thier father; reasons suggested for selling an old house; bills for repairs to some property; mention of the Baltimore Fair; excitement in Virginia over politics and an expected Democratic victory; bad weather for farming. 4 pp. ALS.

Letters by Robert Ruffin Ritchie to his father, brother and sisters, 1847-1862, and miscellaneous letters to and documents re Robert R. Ritchie, 1851-1866

Scope and Contents

Request for letters from the family and for the weekly Union; Robert's poor health; duties in a regimental hospital; quarters "in the house of one Lombardo, a very intimate friend of Santa Anna"; relations with other Army officers; peace negotiations by Mr. Trist; mention of General Scott. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Uncertainties of war"; mention of General Brooke; medical inspection of 80 men and rejection of 9; need to justify the reasons for rejecting the 9; entertainment of some soldiers; reference to Robert as "a son of old Tom's"; mention of Col. Wilson; possibility of traveling to Vera Cruz or New Orleans; questions about the family. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Coffee as an essential in the daily life of a soldier; Robert's duties while on march; robert's encounter with Mexican cavalry; description of an area surrounding Cuernavaca; position as "Medical Director to the brigade"; query about a possible peace settlement and mention of Mr. Trist; desire to remain with the Army, but not in Mexico with inactive troops. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Witness in the court of Inquiry into the conduct of Col. Borham"; troop movements around Cuernavaca; organization of a temperance society to help curb disease "attributable to the too free use of Mexican spirits"; exploration of a large cave and reference to Madame Calderon [?] who wrote about it; experiences upon taking a wrong turn into the mountains; Robert's financial staus; Army appointments. 6 pp. ALS.

Plans for trip to Washington; willingness to attend to several matters for Belle; attempt to see Mrs. Orgain; comment on the rainy weather; William Harrison at Ampthill. 2 pp. ALS.

Anne Eliza's health. 1 p. ANS.

Scope and Contents

Visit from Mr. Branch; sale of wheat; low on flour; Mr. Harrison's depressed state; "day at Westover and another with Dr. Selden"; weather around Brandon; concern about his father Thomas Ritchie and suggested tombstone inscription "He loboured day and night to save us from dissolution and divil war"; greeting to Dr. Stone. 3 pp. ALS.

Refreshing return to the country; dinner with Dr. Osborne; health of Mrs. Ball and her baby; sale of wheat; return of the Orgains; thank you to Margaret; Robert's decision not to leave Brandon; pencilled list on envelope. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Care of a patient and a ride in "a cold drenching rain"; goods delivered for Mrs. Orsborne and the servants; letter to Mr. Milson; suggestion about sending letters; request for fruit; trouble with the drew on the ferry; fever in the area; Dr. Marks' health; dining at Claremont [?]; effect on the rains on the wheat; trip to White Sulphur by Mrs. Osborne and the Orgains; butter from Mr. Ball. 2 pp. ALS.

Number of sick patients; danger at Old Point; return of the Orgains; Osbornes to White Sulphur; present from William Cross; love to the family. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Weather in Richmond; "arrangements...to take charge of Mrs.Micke [?] as far as Brandon"; need for "Charlotte to be very prudent in regard to the talk"...she had with Robert; talk with William and Cora Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"obstinate form of dysentary amongst the servants"; improvement in the weather; arrangements about preserves; mention of Capt. Davis; recovering all the current jelly; letter from a woman that Robert is quite serious about and his inability to "fathom the working of the female heart".

Poor health of the Osbornes; letter to Cora Ritchie's sister; acceptability of Mr. Murdaugh as the local minister; sale of wheat; dinner with Crenshaw; love to members of the family. 2 pp. ALS.

Extended stay in Richmond because of ill health; William in Tennessee; inclement weather; purchase of seed wheat; good corn crop expected; painting the house; securing someone to plant the wheat; health of the old Colonel; mention of Mr. Murdaugh and Ben's wife. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Finances in regard to rent from a house; William's "parting with the old Enquirer"; sickness in the area; repairs being done to the house; sale of wheat; "braking up a few retail whiskey shops"; brief encounter with Randolph Harrison. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Letter from Brockwell [?] in regard to Mr. Bishop; eviction of the Brockwells; question of whether or not to pay Brockwell and wage; "survey of farming operations" at Brandon with William Ritchie; need to be more direct when giving orders to the plantation's overseers; foraging by Capt. Whiting for General Magruder's army. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Robert being "stunned at late disasters"; "effect of giving up Norfolk and James River"; prediction of Richmond's eventual fall; troops near Petersburg; brief summary of deliberations in regard to Brandon; burning of the wharves; sale of Robert's horse; key for Belle's watch; mention of the Monitor. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Desire of all the servants to stay at Brandon; fate of Richmond; Robert's schemes to save the city by either "a series of obstructions" or an Englishman who leveled a hill scientifically; travel on the river; desire to secure the services of Mr. Hammondsl "Capt. John Rogers proclamation to the ladies gentlemen on James River". 3 pp. ALS.

Regret that the Tylers cannot accept a dinner invitation to Brandon. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Answer to Ritchie's letter by "the Superintendent of Negro Affairs or York County"; inquiry about property "leased by Govnt to thirty negroes"; decision that the property "cannot be given up to the original owner until the expiration of the term of lease". 2 pp. ALS.

The leasing of ten acres of land belonging to Indian Fields Farm [once owned by Robert R. Ritchie] Witnessed by Jonas Gilderlen. 2 pp. Doc.Cy.

Scope and Contents

that Robert R. Ritchie took "the Oath prescribed by the President...in his Proclamation of May 29th, 1965". 1 p. DocS.

Scope and Contents

[i.e. McCandlish] on Indian Fields Farm as a result of "'An act for the collection of direct taxes in insurrectionary districts'...approved June 7, 1862". Included also is a note from Tho. P. McCandlish attesting that the "land...referred to, is the property of Dr. Ro. R. Ritchie". 2 pp. DocS.

Bonds secured by Robert Ritchie to purchase Indian Fields; collection of Money on these bonds; need to have a reliable tenant on the property; suggested release of Capt. Wilder in favor of General Howard. 1 p. ALS.

5 pieces.

Scope and Contents

Letters to his mother, his brother and sisters, 1846-1869 undated, and miscellaneous letters to WFR and material concerning him and his wife, Anna Cora Mowatt Ritchie, 1851-1938 undated

Death of Mr. John H. Pleasants [killed by Thomas Ritchie, Jr. in a duel]; details of his funeral; dinner at Mr. Green's; possibility of legal prosecution; bad weather; letter from Charlotte through Miss Julia Johns. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Purchase of a harness; "discussion of the candidates for the Convention"; "fear that, if California is admitted, Georgia and South Carolina will go off"; "The New Mexico territorial bill; mention of Judge Bayly; visit with the W.B. Harrison family; Tom's Ritchie health; notes included about a medicinal prescription and body measurments as needed for dressmaking. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Description of William's wife Cora and "how happy she will be to know" Isabella; Cora's father as "the leading merchant in furnishing vessels for the famous Miranda Expedition to South America"; mention of President Jefferson and Secretary Madison; message from Charlotte to Cora; greetings from Tom Ritchie and love to the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Health of Thomas Ritchie; present to Isabella of "Cora's Autobiography"; "the very brilliant success of the book"; parts of a letter from Cora about her pleasure with the book; references to William and Thomas Ritchie in the text; no news of interest politically in Richmond and Washington. 4 pp. ALS.

Health of Thomas Ritchie; Dr. Davis' opinion on a cure for Thomas [Ritchie, Jr.?]; cook Emanuel engaged for a month; purchase of three bedsteads and other pieces of furniture; letter from Cora; offer to have Isabell's brother live with William. 3 pp. ALS.

Reciept of a letter from the sister; greetings to the sister from Foushee's wife, Cora; health of Isabella Ritchie; letters recieved from Wm. Cross and Wm. Foushee, and Mr. Lippincott; tribute to Thomas Ritchie from Mr. Richards; Coar's health; greetings to members of the Ritchie family. 4 pp. ALS.

Receipt of Isabella's letters and maple sugar cakes; Foushee's New York trip; President Pierce at Fauquier Springs; visitors at Mr. Smyth's house; family reunion; brother George at the Cottage; peaches and pears from Brandon. 4 pp. ALS.

Isabella's account in the Farmers' Bank of Virginia; payment of a bill; package due to arrive from New York; invitation to the Wickhems' wedding; Sister Bella's financial matters; health of various family friends; George Ritchie's arrival in New York. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Receipt of Isabella's letters and enclosed cards from Cora; return of a "duelling party" and appearance of the settlement in the paper; health of several family friends; visit to Richard's home "Riverside"; concersation with Mrs. Henry [?] Gibson. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Visit of Bella and Isabella to Brandon; search for the "Miranda"; purchase of several items at a store in New York; china for Anne Eliza; death of Charles Ogden; stay at W.C.E. Thompson's in New York; proposed journey home through Philadelphia Washington.

Isabella's stay at Salt Sulphur Springs; ignorance of friends being in New York on thier honeymoon; excursion to the mountains; trip "through the lovely valley of Wyoming, the Deleware Water Gap...visiting coal mines travelling on the 'gravity railroads'"; visit to Richmond of the Prince of Wales. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Detailed description of William's journey to Washington; company of Mrs. Hume aboard the "Eliza Hancox"; talk with the Captain about steamboats; reference to a book [?] the "death of Lincoln"; mention of several friends and acquaintances. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Entertaining company at Brandon; gift from Tucker of terrapins and fresh pike; problems with William's knee and the need for his "leg...to be put into harness"; "wonders of the microscope at the Army Museum"; pleasant ways William is passing away the time at Stones; talk by Dr. Rudder; news about various friends. 4 pp. ALS.

Illness of William's wife Cora; visit of Mr. Everett to Brandon; mention of Consul James; Belle Harrison's expected visit; "Carter lee's lecture on 'Laughter'"; legislative question before Congress. 4 pp. ALS.

Arrangements made at the Powhatan House in Richmond; disease in the city's suburbs; news about various friends; to church with the Rutherfoord family; message to Mragaret from Captain Randolph. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Visit from Charlotte and Jenny; reports about Brandon; reference to "a sweet creature of fine talents" [perhaps a reference to Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt]; note about Heilbrook [?] 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Order recieved in the morning; invitation to visit Richmond; breakfast prepared by Mathilda; reciept of letter from Bella; no news from Mr. Cross; Evans' victory; renting of "the Cottage" to Mr. Daingerfield. 2 pp. ALS.

Advocation of Thomas Ritchie for Governor. Included also is a note from WFR to his father re smith's letter. 2 pp. ALS.

Shipment of a book and Wynne's desire to be informed of its safe arrival to William. Included is a pencilled note that the mentioned book was given to the College of William and Mary by Margaret Ritchie harrison Cocke. 2 pp. ALS.

Readmission of the South into the Union; Foushee's investment in enslaved persons and financial loss due to emancipation; effect of the war on Brandon; Foushee's desire to acquire a government position in Washington or Virginia; influence of Thomas Ritchie in Presidential politics; rights of the South in the coming presidential election; "Johnson's Veto of the Joint Resolution"; possibility of another Civil War; "nomination of Seymour and Blair"; right of Black population to vote. 4 pp. ALS.

Inscription on the church chalice; "Brandon Church, Presented by Wm Foushee and Anna Cora Ritchie. January 1857." 1 p TLS.

Mrs. Mowatt and her appearance in a play as Desdemona ; mention too of her engagement to William F. Ritchie, editior of the Richmond Enquirer. 1 p. NC1.

Scope and Contents

Possibility of not meeting for two years; death of Dr. Graves; prospects of George's vessel being sent to Cuba or California; romance between "Sister Anne Eliza and Mr. Cross"; Mobile as "one of the healthiest cities in the union"; naval blockade of Round Island; mention of the vessels "Water Witch", "Flint", "Albany", and "Germantown". 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Desire to recieve more letters while aboard the "Wolcott"; weddings withing the family; fond memories of Brandon, especially at Christmas; mention of William Allen and Major Selden; life on the "Wolcott"; health of Thomas Ritchie; greetings to be given various friends and relatives; possibility that the Sec. of the Treasury might reccoment the Congress the abolishment of the Navy. 4 pp. ALS.

Descriptions of the contents of several boxes with notations as to which family member or friend recieves what item. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Desire for news from home; George's demanding duties as Purser of two ships; U.S. steamers in the Far East; shipment of 2 boxes to the family via Adams and Co. Express and Capt. John Glasson; reference to "his Celestial majesty in his own Capitol Pekin"; and to Commondore Perry; mention of the following vessels: "Susquehana", "Southhampton", "Hancock", "Cooper", "Kennedy"; "Powhatan", "Vincennes", "Porpoise", "Lexington", "Mississippi", and "Macedonia". 4 pp. ALS.

Sadness felt in parting from the family again; account of his travel schedule; mention of John Armistead; dinner at Willow Hill with Col. McCandlish and friends; accident with his horse and buggy; love to members of the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Paying off the crew at the Navy Yard; extensive use of silver to pay the crew; death of Mr. Millson's sister; wedding of Lt. Thornburn and Miss Reed; party at Com. Dornins; present of a dog to a doctor. 3 pp. ALS.

Amount of money in Mrs. Ritchie's checking account; claim with Mr. Bagby; George's voyage to Panama; sale of corn at Lower and Upper Brandon; sale of George's horse. 3 pp. ALS.

Signed by James Evans, high priest, John Dove, secretary, and George Ritchie. 1 p. DocS.

Scope and Contents

pleasure of recieving mail from home; mention of the English man of war "Amethyst"; unexpected overnight guests aboard the "St. Marys"; manuevers in the Gulf of California; the seemingly "tremendous mania for matrimony in the United States"; greetings to the Ritchie family. 2 pp. ALS.

Description of a ball; praise given Thomas Ritchie; visit with President Polk and his wife; party at the Blairs and several other places; invitation to go home with the Daingerfields. 4 pp. ALS.

Effect of weather on river navigation; proposed visits by Mrs. Ritchie and Isabella Harrison; George Byrd's wedding; Charlotte's camel's hair shawl; rumors about Mr. Carter's health and his marriage; news about various friends and family members; christening of Margaret Ritchie Stone's baby. 6 pp. ALS.

1 p. Ms.

Anne's health; birth of Anne's daughter; return home of Aunt Phoebe; Mary's inability to care for Anne's baby unless her own child and nurse could be present; Sister Bella as a replacement for Mary; Issie's wedding; visitors and thier comments about the baby; love to various friends and relatives. 10 pp. ALS.

Letter to Jenny Stone; health of Jenny Ritchie; death of Mrs. Tendall; opera performance; family news; love to various friends. 4 pp. ALS. incomplete.

Invitiation for Charlotte to join other members of the Ritchie family at the Cross' home. 4 pp. AL.

Charlotte's health; illness in Margaret's family; invitation to visit Anne Eliza; comment on the weather; news about William and Cora Ritchie in Richmond; love to various members of the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Pleasure from Charlotte's visit; Isabella Harrison's eye; family news; arrangements for Addie Smyth's wedding; love to various people. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Isabella's check for $600; health of Isabella Harrison; sleeping arrangements for visiting friends and family; difficulty in accomodating "Cora and her party"; financial transaction with Mr. Green; mention of numerous friends. 6 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Trip to New York; summer plans to travel to Boston; loost shawl; purchase of two corsets; trips to market for flowers and fruit; greeting to various friends; purchase of evergreens and English firs; christening of Louisa Adams' son; Gus Nicholson "to sea for two years"; cut thumb; news about George harrison. 6 pp. ALS.

Why Anne has not written; expected visit from Belle; news about various friends and relatives; marriage of Harriet Heileman; trip to Ashburton. 3 pp. ALS.

Thank you for Charlotte's letter and recipe; 4th of July celebration and fireworks; Robert's health; Aunt Eleanor's trip to the Springs; news about various friends; Charlotte's trip to New York; money for corsets and evergreens; love to members of the family. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Plans to visit Broadneck "to see the bride and Groom"; present of a new writing desk; love to members of the family. Included also is a letter from Mary Green to Isabella re her depressed spirits and "double bereavement". 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Mary's embroidery frame as a birthday present to Isabella. Included also is a letter from Isabella F. Ritchie to Bella re the letter she wrote for Mary and a request for a pair of her drawers. 1 p. AL.

(N.B. Because of the use of nicknames, it is possible not all the letters addressed to Jennie in this folder were intended for Virginia Ritchie, daughter of Thomas and Isabella F. Ritchie.)

Scope and Contents

Accident on the road; trip to Niagara and possibility of meeting Charlotte there; rainy weather; experience with gas at the dentist's; appointment with Dr. McFarlan; comment on Cousin Belle's "habit of fainting"; dinner with Aunt Mary; love to the relatives. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Travel schedule; health of some measles patients; thanks for some flowers; "unhappiness about poor Minnie". 2 pp. ALS.

Expression of sympathy; Joe's fever and his favorable improvement; love to members of the family. 3 pp. ALS.

Intended marriage to Miss Martha C. Southhall; building of the new rectory in So. Boston; love to Mrs. Harrison, Major Mrs. Page. 2 pp. ALS.

Bequeathing a likeness of Anna Cora [(Ogden) Mowatt] Ritchie to "Julia G. Smythe's daughter Eugenie." 1 p. Doc. Cy

Scope and Contents

"Universal rushing after Xmas presents"; Charlotte's desire to shop alone without Carter's company; details of a concert; visit with the Orgains; Wickham's wedding; Carter's feeling of being "rather in the way" around the Gittings' home; mention of George Byrd and Mrs. George Williams; spending Christmas Eve around a fireplace "over hauling presents as they come in". 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Belle's health; death of Agnes sixteen years ago; account of close friends and relatives who died in October; sadness over "all those long lonely evenings". 2 pp. AL.

Death of Mildred's father; Agnes' death 19 years ago; appretiation of kindnesses done by V; the passing of Fitzhugh; love to a number of people. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Visit of Daniel Webster to Richmond and a dinner given by the Whigs; drive around the city with Mrs. Webster and Miss Seaton; details of a wedding; picnic at Ritchie's farm; news about various friends and acquaintances; "account of the Victory of Cerro Gordo". 4 pp. ALS.

Letter recieved from Charlotte; Mr. Gittings' health; Carter's health and the kind attention given him by Charlotte; inquiries about Isabella Harrison and Brandon; problems encountered during the harvest; desire to visit Brandon. 2 pp. ALS.

Matter of a lace shawl; Robert Ritchie's visit to Indian Fields Farm; declining a trip to the Springs; mention of numerous friends; stay at Brandon. 4 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

"Necessary caution" used when writing; comment on those who have died in the war; family news; "arms...sought in Europe"; "visit from General L's daughters Annie and Agnes"; role of women during the war; receipt of a letter from "one of our heroes at Manassad"; mention of Sherman; "Death of 400 of our noble souls" 4 pp. AL. Letter probably to Charlotte Gittings and Margaret Stone.

Scope and Contents

Desire that Charlotte come to Brandon; "William to the Wars"; shipment of novels; gift for Dr. Dean; "Bella Bobs letters written in cypher"; efforts to locate George in Washington; visit from Mr. Corcoran; death of Mrs. Warrington. 4 pp. incomplete. AL.

Reflections on God and the meaning of life; hope that Jeff will seek enlightenment through God and the Bible. 4 pp. ALS.

Dr. Sayre at medical convention in New Orleans but assurance that he will write Mr. Ritchie upon his return; questions about Bellevue Hospital to be answered by Dr. Yale. 1 p. AL.

Accomodations at Bellevue Hospital for Mr. Ritchie as arranged by Dr. Sayre; Dr. Sayre's arrival in New York from New Orleans; suggestion that Mr. Ritchies delay his trip until Dr. Sayre's return. 3 pp. ALS.

2 pp. TL.

Scope and Contents

"History of the Westover alms basin"; mention of Mr. Bird of New York, Col. Byrd, Sarah Braine. 2 pp. ALS.

1 p. LS.

Scope and Contents

"The Wayside Spring in Alabama" by Charles Mackay. 1 p. NC1.

Reprinted from American Historical Magazine, Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 1896. 36 pp. Pamphlet.

6 pieces

1 piece

Scope and Contents

No. 15 of the "Plain Words" series. 8 pp.

1 p.

A dirge on the Civil War. 1 p.

Thomas Ritchies professional papers are chiefly letters to him as editor of the Washington Union, the official organ of the Democratic party (the entire collections contains only a few letters by him).The letters cover all the political topics of the day; extension of slavery, Texas, the Mexican War (militarily and politically), internal improvements, Wilmot Proviso, oregon territory, Whig and Democratic politics, transcontunental railroad, Baltimore convention, Nashville convention, Presidential elections of 1844 and 1848, and contain references to Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Zachary Taylor, Winfield Scott, Martin Van Buren, James K. Polk, Thomas Hart Benton, and Lewis Cass. A few relate to South American affairs, and Ritchie's business papers as a printer are also included. The letters cover a wide geographical range (a number, however, are written from Virginia) and often reflect local political conditions and the opinions of the average citizen. Among the correspondents are: R.M.T. Hunter, Ambrose Dudley Mann, W.D. Wallach, S. Basset French, and Andrew Stevenson.

4 pp. Ms.

4 pp. Ms.

Limitation of the government's powers; clarification of the Constitution; powers of the President; patronage vs. the public interest; election of the President. 2 pp. Cy

Scope and Contents

Miseries suffered by Carter during a period of confinement; comments on news contained in Ritchie's last letter; mention of a belief in "predestinarianism"; pleasure of Mrs. Fitzhugh's company; use of a number of French phrases by Carter; joke about a toast to Jackson. 4 pp. ALS.

Present of "a specimen of stewed trufles. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

A confidential letter in which Brockenbrough states what he conceives to be the true feeling of the people in certain lower Virginia counties toward Van Buren; the Democratic party with not be united behind him and unless he should not "advocate unhesitatingly the annex of texas his vote will be nothing"; these sentiments were more confirmed at the meeting of the district convention of which Brockenbrough was the chairman. 1 p. ALS.

Belief that Van Buren will be defeated in the election and that another candidate would run stronger; rumor that many will not even vote if Van Buren runs. 2 pp.

Scope and Contents

Hoge's nomination as an Elector by the Democratic Convention; recent local defeats for Democrats in Virginia elections; appeal of Martin Van Buren as the Presidential candidate; consideration of the main political parties, namely the Democratic, Whig, and "floating parties". 3 pp. ALS.

Election results and speculation on the causes of disaster; Van Buren considered as a liability in the election; the legality of 40 Whig votes; Texas annexation and Clay's stand against it. 2 pp. ALS

Scope and Contents

Democratic Party of Virginia's selection of candidate for the U.S. Presidency; Van Buren and the Texas question and his loss of Virginia votes; the need for a candidate the "reverse of Mr. Clay"; pledges himself to vote for the Texas man at the Baltimore Convention. 3 pp. ALS.

Texas question; Virginia's vote for the coming Presidential election; Van Buren's candidacy; Republican and Democratic politics. 3 pp. ALS.

Texas annexation; Presidential candidacy of Tyler. Clay, and Van Buren; sectional strife at Baltimore Convention; Edmunds' resignation as Assistant Elector in his district. 6 pp. ALS.

Texas annexation; Tyler's Presidency; Candidates for the office of the presidency. 2 pp. ALS.

Tyler's Presidency and anti-Tyler feeling among some citizens. 1 p. ALS.

Invitation to dinner with the Richmond Cadet Corps. 1 p. ALS

Scope and Contents

Invitation to dinner celebrating the anniversery of the Declaration of Independence by the "democratic citizens of the district of Columbia" 2 pp. LS.

Gift of a book. 1 p. ALS.

Compliments to Ritchie and Mr. Polk; request for 50 copies of an article on Gen. Jackson. 2 pp. ALS.

Establishment of the Union newspaper and questions regarding its size, type, and paper quality; Democrats in Western cities and their reaction to Ritchie as editor of the Union. 3 pp. ALS.

Thanks to Ritchie for his letter which Everett received through the State Department; memorandum from [W.J?] of interest to Everett; Everett honored that Ritchie proposes to send communications for the paper. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Elmore's appointment to England and his reasons for declining the position; expression of a "deep and settled hostility" to the tariff system in Elmore's state and some other adjoining states. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Appraisal of the value of the Globe office and "the grounds and buildings used for conducting the business of that office". 1 p. ALS.

Purchase of an estate in New Jersey with a description of its location and condition; resignation as a Consul with the government; possibility of accepting a professorship with the College of South Carolina.

Letter for Green or Ritchie; lengthy discussion of the victory of [S.F.] Leake, elected to the Congress from Virginia; mention of Gordon and Hynes; thanks to Selden from Col. Robert Taylor. 4 pp. ALS.

A memorandum of promotions and appointments in the Army; General Order No. 9 mentioned; publication in the Union of future official memoranda. 1 p. ALS.

Report on the health of a mutual friend. 2 pp. ALS.

Ritchie's new position in Washington and the reaction in general of people in Richmond; Ludlam's request that his new title be announced at Ritchie's earliest convenience. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Views on the topic of "Presidential Succession"; Presidential appointments; Texas annexation; Union editorial on President Polk. 3 pp. AL.

Letter of introduction presenting William Flinn, past editor of the Pittsburgh daily Aurora. 1 p. ALS.

Recommendation of Professor Aimes as a regular correspondant in New York for Ritchie's paper. 2 pp. ALS.

Invitation to attend a Farmers' Club meeting. 1 p. ALS.

The Union newspaper as an organ of the Democratic party and the desire by Petrikin that the paper publish only correct information on matters of government and Democratic principles; Calvin Blythe of Pennsylvania is cited as a Democrat unworthy of being written about in the Union, especially when other Democrats like W.H. Roane of Virginia are well known for their integrity and party loyalty. 3 pp. L.

Request by the clerk of the House of Representatives that Thomas Ritchie be permitted to take books from the Library of Congress. 1 p. ALS.

Letter by one of the fathers of the Republican Party is forwarded to Ritchie [not enclosed with letter]; the Union newspaper is complimented; Ritchie is assured of a vote in his bid for Preinter of the Congress. 1 p. ALS.

Annexation of Texas; abolitionists; tariffs; banking. 2 pp. ALS.

Suggestions for the suppression of the trade of enslaved persons and recolonization of Black persons in Africa. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Sketches of Congress" and the appearance of these articles in the Union. 2 pp. ALS.

Unity of the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania; election by the Pa. legislature of General Cameron as U.S. Senator over Judge Woodard. 2 pp. ALS.

Letter for the Secretary of the Army which solicits an appointment for a friend; death of a mutual friend and the grief of his sister; meeting of a state convention to nominate a candidate for Governor; strength of the Whigs in Georgia. 3 pp. ALS.

List of subscribers to the Union; Texas and the Whigs; personal differences between Mr. Wise and Mr. Polk; popularity of the Union. 4 pp. ALS.

Request for a change of subscription from the Enquirer to the Union. 1 p. ALS.

Report on the District of Clatsop [?] in Oregon describing the land, population, industry, and climate. 2 pp. ALS.

State of the foreign carrying trade; abuses existing in the important of merchandise. 8 pp. ALS.

Copy of an article for publication in the Union; Whigs retaining positions in the Administration. 3 pp. ALS.

Reorganization of America's Consular establishment. 4 pp. ALS.

Description of the Oregon country, especially areas near the Columbia and Willamette rivers; Ford elaborates on the fertility of the soil, navigation of rivers, variations in climate, and beautiful scenery. 3 pp. ALS.

His address which was well recieved by the liberal Whigs; the great difficulty which will have to be met at the next Congress where everything will depend on the course the President [Polk] takes. [Illegible handwriting and a system of short hand which drops vowels make reading difficult. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

The Atlas as being "hostile to President Polk"; mention of Van Buren; Ritchie's role in helping to settle the Texas Question. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Removal of Major Wm. B. Lewis" from office by Preisdent Polk. 3 pp. AL.

Scope and Contents

President Polk's "unnatural course" towards his friends in Missouri. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

President's resolution passed Monday evening; discussion of the political makeup of the New York Council; Administration growing daily in strength; hopes that Polk will continue to "cherish all the elements" which elected him President; Ritchie's "neighbor the 'U.S. Journal'" as a "very low press". 4 pp. ALS.

Goodwin's dislike of a Mr. Rathkin [?]; "denunciation [of} Mr. Polks administration as 'an appendix to John Tylers administration'" article submitted in rebuttal to some of Rathkin's political beliefs. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Introduction of Jno. C. Haswell; discussion of the Richmond Enquirer as a "standard of political orthodoxy"; expression of pleasure that Ritchie was selected editor of the Union. 1 p. ALS.

Discussion of the president and his Administration. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Congratulations to Ritchie on his new position as editor of the Washington Union; recent lack of confidence expressed by the general public towards President Polk; mention of the tariff and "compromise of the Oregon question"; Harvey's desire to be reinstated in his job; mention of several people in congress from Missouri whom Ritchie may rely on. 4 pp. ALS.

Editorial in the Savannah Republican against Mr. McAllister, Democratic candidate for governor. 2 pp. ALS.

Calhoun as a candidate for the Presidency; Polk and the tariff; Texas question. 7 pp. ALS.

Article in a Baltimore paper about Polk and promises he made following his nomination by the Baltimore Convention; Tisestro's[?] dismissal from office by Mr. Walker. 3 pp. ALS.

Introduction of Thomas Ritchie to John H. Steele. 1 p. ALS.

Mutual friend "Slam should receive a Presidential appointment; thinks Bancroft and March have been instrumental in prejudicing the President against him; suggests "slam be appointed purser of the Navy;. comparison of Tyler's and Polk's Administrations. 4 pp. ALS.

War with Mexico; interests of England and France in Mexico; U.S. strategy if war is declared. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Support for the Union; J. L. O'Sullivan's dislike of President Polk; Van Buren and the "Southern Democracy". 2 pp. ALS.

Wilson's unemployment and desire to have an advertisement inserted in Richie's paper.

Introduction of Col. Paul H. Hubbs, a merchant in New York. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Appointment of a commissioner from Virginia; "Clay Whigs" who were already appointed. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reaction of the citizens of Montgomery to the incorrect news that Mexico had declared war on the United States; mustering of two volunteer companies, the "Riflemen" and the "Blues", and thier resolutions to defend the U.S.; the "Riflemen's" disapointment about not recieving a letter of recognition from the President for thier patriotic action; a copy of the "Riflemen's" resolutions enclosed which were also mailed to the President. 4 pp. ALS.

Gift of four Virginia hams. 1 p. ALS.

Reference to an article about Oregon in an English journal Bell's Life. 1 p. ALS.

Democratic Party in Mississippi; address of the last Democratic State Convention; Texas annexation; senatorial race between ex-Gov. McNutt and Gen. Foote; article about Gen. Same Houston and reference to a speech he made; boundary of the Rio Bravo. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reaction to an editorial in the Union about the press in Ohio; politics in Ohio, 1840-1845; position of Whigs and conservative Democrats in Ohio's 1840 election; money power and the banks; Bartley Bank Bill of 1842-43; "Softs vs. Hards"; Texas annexation question; Rooster [?] Bank Bill; Democratic county convention in Ohio. 8 pp. ALS.

Articles against Ritchie and Polk by the editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer; influence of John Brough in Ohio politics; background of Hiram Robinson and his relation to John Brough. 3 pp. ALS.

Failure of the Union to publish any letters from Ohio Democrats; protection of civil and religious liberties; war with Mexico; Santa Anna and General Paredas mentioned; consitution of Texas; occupation of Oregon. 4 pp. AL.

Editor of the Mercury and his relation to Calhoun; Calhoun's support of Polk's Administration; reduction of the Tariff. 3 pp. ALS

Desire for more emphasis on European news; suggestion that the Union no longer reprint articles from English journals; Bernard as possible editor of foreign news for the Union. 3 pp. ALS.

Defense of Brent's father following an attack by the New York Express. 1 p. ALS.

Complaint of American seea captains that no U.S. agent resides at Bremerhaven; problem of protecting unemployed American seamen in Bremen; Shipping foreigners to the U.S. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Appointment of E. Warren as Consul for the port of Trieste and reasons for his probable rejection by the Senate; dissatisfaction with other appointments by President Polk; "Hard Annexationists" in Missouri; resistence to European encroachment; modification of the tarriff. 4 pp. L

Discussion of the tariff and slavery. 4 pp. ALS.

Warren's background; tariffs; interests of manufacturers. 2 pp. ALS.

March through Texas and impressions of the land; botanical interest in rare flowers and seeds; military forces encountered. 3 pp. ALS.

Tariff Issues. 3 pp. ALS.

Government contract for the delivery of Tobacco; Calhoun's probable return to the Senate; tariff adjustments; Oregon question. 3 pp. ALS

Salary increase for Cabell in his position as chief clerk in the Recorder's Bureau of the General Land Office. 3 pp. ALS

Vote of Texans for annexation, the Constitution, Governor, and Lt. Governor; affairs with Mexico; Indian attack; General Sam Houston's proposed visit to Austin. 3 pp. ALS.

Triumph of Whigs in Georgia elections; mention of John C. Calhoun 3 pp. ALS.

Hamilton's protection of U.S. citizens during the war between Uruguay and Argentina and request for payment of services from 31 Aug. 1838 to 31. Oct. 1845. Includes copy of certificate of Hamilton's sefices by Santiago Vasquez, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Uruguay, and a copy of Hamilton's bill to the U.S. Government. 8 pp. ALS.

Modification of Tarriff Act of 1842; tariff meeting at the Exchange Hotel; position of Pennsylvania Democrats and Whigs towards the Tariff. 2 pp. ALS.

Correction of an article in the Union about the choice of a Democratic County Committee of Nantuckett. 1 p. ALS

Oregon; texas; tariff; iron interests in Pennsylvania; internal improvements. 3 pp. ALS

Murders by John Ross in 1839; present reign of terror over the Cherokees; petition to the President; appeal to Ritchie. 5 pp. ALS.

Forwarding letters to friends in England through the State Department.

Foreign appointment sought by THomas H. Holt. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Account of a storm at sea and the "benefits arising from the observation of barometers". 3 pp. ALS.

Bragg's displeasure with an article in the Union about his brother; description of the Bragg family and thier relation to the Democratic Party; circumstances leading to Lt. Bragg's court martial by General Scott. Communication prepared to counter the article in the Union. 3 pp. ALS.

British agitation over the corn laws and an article printed by the Times. 4 pp. ALS

Paper on the Hawaiian Islands by Dr. William Maxwell Wood. 2 pp. ALS.

An editorial position for Jarvis with the Union; writing assignments he would not accept; salary expectations; previous experience; political preferences. 3 pp. ALS

Detailed description of Austria's natural wealth, industry, and commerce for the benefit of planters and merchants in the United States. 4 pp. incomplete. L.

Congratulations to Ritchie on his confirmation as the Printer of Congress; mention of Polk's Administration. 2 pp. ALS.

Statement of the amount paid for printing and binding for the House of Representatives, 1823 to 1845, and a letter of explanation about the statement. 2pp. ALS.

Dissatisfaction with the Virginia state legislature; internal improvements along the James River; rail road connections; news of relative P.N. Barbour now in Texas. 3 pp. ALS

Ambrose Dudley Mann, Consul at Bremen, and his interest in Hungary. 2 pp. ALS.

Christmas greetings; letter for publication in the Union; trip to texas. 1 p. ALS.

English penitentiaries. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Oregon question; the "Forty ninth party" in Congress; tariff of 1842; war with Great Britain. 4 pp. AL.

Editorials in The Times about Oregon; Ritchie's election as a Printer to Congress. 3 pp. ALS.

Newspaper article connecting Ritchie to a speculation in cotton. 2 pp. ALS.

Mackenzie's desire for employment and his efforts to secure a position with the government. 3 pp. ALS.

Sale of land in Richmond County to Dr. Clopton. Enclosed is a deed for Ritchie's signature. 2 pp. ALS.

Costs of printing Congressional material.

Arbitration of the Oregon question. 2 pp. L.

Introduction of J. M. Moss and his information reguarding the Republic of Uraguay; the Monroe Doctrine; banking matters; subscription to the Union. 3 pp. ALS.

Letter in regard to an editorial for publication in the Union. Copy of the editorial is enclosed. 3 pp. ALS.

Heiss' resignation from his position with the Union. 1 p. ALS.

Negro suffrage and its effect on national politics. 4 pp. ALS.

Payment of subscription to the Union; political opinions of Calhoun, Clay, and Van Buren. 1 p. ALS.

Oregon Question. 3 pp. ALS.

Oregon question and relations with England; dipolomacy with Mexico. 3 pp. ALS.

Gillet's prospects in an election. 2 pp. ALS.

2 pp. Ms.

Scope and Contents

Naval school at Annapolis and an article addressed to "The Editor of the Union" from "An old salt" which supports the school. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Publication and marketing of a book; McConochie's property in Kentucky where he "owns 350 acres of Land and between 20 and 40 negroes". 1 p. ALS.

The Congressional printing done by Ritchie and Heiss, and John Niles' resolution proposing the price be reduced. Includes copy of a letter by John C. Rives to Heiss, 11 Feb. 1846, detailing the reasons for opposing Niles' resolution. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Complaint about irregular delivery of the Union; issues of Whiggery, Calhounism, and Mexico". 3pp. ALS.

Relations with Mexico; settlement of disputes; board of commissioners to examine claims against Mexico; mexican reaction to American claims; drawbacks to a mixed commission of MExicans and Americans. 3 pp. AL.

Reference to a copy of a letter on printing and copy of a speech by C.B. Ficklin in Philadelphia. [copies not enclosed} 1 p. ALS.

Oregon question; campaign of 1844; Democrats in Congress; sectional interests vs. the Constitution; Polk's nomination at the Baltimore Convention; war with Mexico; lowered tariff; treasury system. 4 pp. ALS.

Tariff legislation and predicted vote by members of Congress. 1 p. ALS.

Telegraphing news from New York and New Jersey. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Speeches of Senators Cass and Benton on the Oregon Question"; mention "of the British title...to Oregon"; "Treaty with Russia". 4 pp. ALS.

Comment on an editorial in the Union. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Probability that a bill cannot be passed which will give [Congressional] printing out by Contract"; Cabinet members and friends in Congress who have failed to support Ritchie; continuance of the Union "on a great scale of curtailments of expenses, and under the strictest economy"; hope "that the Union can be made profitable". 3 pp. ALS.

Politics in Arkansas and need to prove that Mr. Folmore is an abolitionist. 1 p. AL.

Trade conducted in Singapore; effect of tariff laws on certain commodities. 2 pp. ALS.

Discharging Volunteers from the Army during the Mexican War. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Banking in New York; "expansion of Paper money"; "consumption of foreign products"; mention of the existing U.S. tariffs; "mandate...that the Interest of the majority shall always be the Law of the Land". 3 pp. AL.

Taxes collected for the Treasury from the Tariff of 1842; effect of the tariff system on the agricultural classes; mention of polk, Walker, and Dallas; problems faced by the british Government and the Bank of England. 3 pp. AL.

Democratic Party in Alabama; vacancy in the Senate; gubernatorial election. Enclosed also is one page of the Marion News detailing the results of a meeting of a Democratic committe in Centerville, Ala., after the resignation of William Yancey from the Senate. 3 pp. ALS NC1.

War with Mexico; Florida war; character of volunteers in the Army; dissatisfaction with present orders and lack of aggressive movement into Mexico. 4 pp. ALS.

Abuses suffered by Army recruits; pardon to Army deserters; oath of revenge against cruel officers. 3 pp. ALS.

Tariff questions. 1 p. ALS.

The tariff philosophy of cometition; power of the people; tradition of freedom in America. 4 pp. incomplete. Al.

Desire for the Navy to be called into action against Mexico. 3 pp. ALS.

Spech of D. Webster in 1820; tariffs; politics in New York; views of Gov. Wright. Enclosed also is a small newspaper clipping about Gov. Wright. 6 pp. ALS NC1.

Scope and Contents

Elliott's Financial problems; "specie clause in the subtreasury bill"; war with Mexico; expenses of the war. 2 pp. ALS.

Presentations to the National Institute at Washington from the French and British governments. Enclosed are three printed pages of correspondence about the presentations. 4 pp. ALS.

Major General Baron de Kalb's military leadership during the American Revolution and his family's petition to Congress for financial relief. 4 pp. ALS.

2 pp. AMs.

Articles in the Intelligence intended to disgrace the Indiana troops at Buena Vista; effect of these articles on the approaching elections in Indiana. 1 p. ALS.

1 p. NC1

NC1 1p.

War with Mexico. 1 p. incomplete. AL.

Receipt for payment of rent on a house in Washington, D.C. 1 p. ALS.

1 p.

Democratic party in Virginia 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

War with Mexico; "public debt of Texas"; customs revenue in Texas; payment of Texas bonds. 4 pp. incomplete. L.

Navy's role in the Mexican War. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Article for Ritchie's paper which "attempts...to unmask the designs of the king of the French to restore Spanish America...to the Bourbon family". 2 pp. ALS.

Denunciation of a fellow Democrat and his alleged inclinations toward federalism. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Tarriff Taxation". 1 p. ALS.

Texas annexation and boundaey lines. 1 p. ALS

Boundaries of Texas; conditions of texas' admission to the U.S.; constitution of Texas. 1 p. ALS.

Article for inclusion in the Union [not with letter]; reference made of Major General [Winfield] Scott. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Communication enclosed for Mr. Ritchie. Communication is dated February 2 1847, Simeon hubbard, Norwich, Conn., to Mr. Thomas Ritchie re a theory of federal government; the Missouri Compromise; the Constitution. 5 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Expulsion of Ritchie from the Senate; "offence against the Senate...with which [Ritchie's] reporter was charged"; Senate's "rejection...of the bill for the increase of the army"; implication of withholding more men from the Army while the U.S. is at war with Mexico; mention of John C. Calhoun; dissatisfaction with Virginia's Congressional delegate. 3 pp. ALS.

Constitutional amendment affecting presidental caondidates; political asperations of Calhoun. 2 pp. ALS.

Rebuff to those who criticize Ritchie and the Administration. 2 pp. ALS.

4 pp.

Subscription to the Union; unpopularity of Calhoun. Includes AN. to William Wick. 2 pp. ALS.

Reference to an article enclosed for Ritchie's attention [article not with letter. 1 p. ALS.

Appeal for return to liberty, freedom of the press, true democracy, pure Whiggism of 1776. Includes ANS. from W.B. re obituary of Alfred Foster of Carlisle who died February 22. 4 pp. AL.

Ritchie's loss of privileges in the Senate; Calhoun's relations with the federal party and Polk's administration; senators from Florida mentioned. 3 pp. ALS.

Ritchie's loss of privileges in the Senate; War with Mexico; U.S. Bank; tariff of 1842; federalism 3 pp. ALS.

Restriction of Ritchie's privileges in the Senate; John C. Calhoun mentioned. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Introduction of S.T. and W.H. Seawell and a request that Ritchie use his influence to have them and their "company of Dragoons" recruited into the war agasint Mexico. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Introduction of S.T. Seawell and his desire to have his "company of Dragoons" accepted for service in the war against Mexico. 1 p. ALS

Sutherland's desire to serve in the Army and command his volunteer company in the war against Mexico. 3 pp. ALS

Scope and Contents

"Freedom of the press"; restriction of Ritchie's Senate privileges; appraisal of Calhoun and Polk; "the Mexican war, the Sub-Treasury and Free Trade, will all yet triumph." 2 pp. AL. incomplete

News on the course of the Mexican War. 3 pp. ALS.

Introduction of Ware and his interest in an editorial position with a Southern Democratic paper. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reference to a communication circulated by a Mr. Wentworth; comment on Mr. Wentworth's "unscrupulous" character. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

French's "suffering with a nervous head ache"; glorification of death and victory in the war with Mexico; French's preference to "fall amid the rush of battle...then die in my bed and have my name forgotten!" 3 pp. ALS.

Financial arrangements concerning a Congressional appropriation. 1 p. ALS.

Problems encountered in the delivery of issues of the Union. 2 pp. ALS.

Reference to resolutions adopted in regard to the Mexican War; mention of John C. Calhoun; Senate's restrictions of Ritchie's privileges. Enclosed is a copy of those resolutions. 4 pp. ALS.

Reference to a letter of mutual interest. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Efforts...to misrepresent the policy of our government to prejudice public opinion"; course of the Mexican War; "speech of Mr. Pendleton...on the subject of our differences with Mexico." 1 p. incomplete. AL.

Mexican War; tariff of 1846. 2 pp. ALS.

Restriction of Ritchie's and Heiss' privileges in the Senate. 2 pp. ALS.

Reference to an articles from the Utica Observer. 1 p. ALS.

Article submitted for Ritchie's attention [not enclosed] 2 pp. ALSgt;.

"Extract from an editorial article in the Globe of May 13, 1843 on the theft of Treasury notes...". 4 pp. ALS.

Request that earlier letters of endorsement be returned; notice that his company of volunteers for service in the Mexican War has been discharged. 1 p. ALS.

Politics in Iowa. 3 pp. ALS.

Taylor as a Democratic Presidential candidate; Whig influence over Taylor; mention of General Jackson and General Washington. 1 p. ALS.

Detailed description of the Battle of Cerro Yordo during the Mexican War. Map of the battle included. 6 pp. AL.

Political standing of Mr. Wentworth. Enclosed is an article from the Daily Democrat, 21 April [?], "The Game to Cheat the North." 4 pp. ALS. NC1

Democratic Party in New York; possible outcome of elections in New York in 1848. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"The Mexican war: its Termination". 4 pp. MsS

Com. Stockton's treatment of Gen. Kearney and his men; Whig strength in Kentucky; convention to amend Kentucky's constitution. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Politics of Hon. J. Wentworth. Enclosed is an article from the Buffalo, New York, Commercial Advertiser re light houses and appropriations for lake harbors. 3 pp. ALS NC1

General taylor as a Democratic candidate for President. 2 pp. ALS.

12 pp. MsV.

Mexican War; Gen. Scott's proclamation to the Mexicans; Whigs' dilemna over Scott and taylor; candidate of the Democratic National Convention; Polk's visit to North Carolina. 4 pp. ALS.

Introduction of Don Juan de Silva Tellez Giron. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Whigs' interest in General Taylor as a Presidential candidate; Gen. Taylor's Southern background; possible "fusion of parties". 4 pp. ALS.

Georgia's gubernatorial election; annexation of Texas; war with Mexico; Mexican payment of the U.S. war debt; general character of Mexicans. 3 pp. ALS.

Attitude of the Argentine government towards the U.S.; Argentina's sympathy for the Mexicans; publication of Whig letters and speeches in the British Packet, especially those communications against the U.S. Administration and war policy; blockade destrictive to U.S. commerce; mention of Lord Howden, Count Walewski, Gov. Rosas. 5 pp. ALS.

Travels through the British Isles and Ireland; elections in England; British support of Polk and the war against Mexico; state of the grain and potato crops; mention of Sir Robert [Peel] and Mr. [George] Bancroft. 2 pp. ALS.

Introduction of John Lafon; description of Maria's poor health. 1 p. ALS.

Enclosed copy of a letter from Gen. Z. Taylor and his views on the following subjects: war with Mexico, a national bank, a high protective tariff, his candidacy for the Presidency. 4 pp. ALS.

Gallagher's wish to be appointed Captain in a regiment. Enclosed is a note by Thomas Ritchie commenting on Gallagher's close association with the Republican Party. 1 p. ALS.

Col. Hughes' desire to take a regiment to Mexico. 2 pp. ALS.

Gen. Taylor's candidacy. 3 pp. ALS.

Deshong's new approach to mathematics. 1 p. ALS.

4 pp.

Reference to an article in the Chicago Democrat against Col. may. 1 p. ALS.

Reference to letter about climate and diseases in Mexico; mention of Santa Anna; English involvement in a Mexican Company. 3 pp. ALS.

Report on his vacation in New York City; purchase of a lamp for Ritchie's home; suggestion that Ritchie, too, take a vacation and relax for a change; party held in honor of a friend Hopkins; political views expressed by Croswell; fight between the Argus and the Atlas and its effect on the Democratic Party in New York. 3 pp. ALS.

Election in Indiana between Dobson and Davis; predicted defeat of Stanton in Tennessee; possible Whig majority in the U.S. House; establisment of a Southern paper under Calhoun's direction; Clay's Northern tour as prelude to becoming a possible Presidential candidate; question of abolitionism. 3 pp. ALS.

Reference to views expressed by Wallach; bill paid by French; Ritchie's request for some wine; health of Mr. Walker; politics in Tennessee concerning General Thomas H. Benton and Major General G. J. Pillow. 1 p. ALS.

Congressional printing matters concerning Houston, Ned Curtis, Wendell and Benth[rysen?]; purchase of a cask of brandy for Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

Belief that Whig domination in Congress would lead to the withdrawal of U.S. troops out of Mexico and in turn jepordize the chance of the Government to secure peace with Mexico; desire for the Union to take a firm position against the Whigs and thier stand on the Mexican question. 2 pp. ALS.

Opportunity for Ritchie to acquire some port wine. 1 p. ALS.

Article submitted to the Union concerning European affairs; reference to marriage of Montpersier with the Infanta of Spain; French and English interests in Mexico. 3 pp. ALS.

Avowal of friendship and support in time of trouble; lengthy description of heiss' background and his ability to cope with failure. 7 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Prediction that Democratic ticket nominated at Syracuse will be defeated; description of one of the New York candidates; the Irish vote in New York; Polk's strength in the next Presidential campaign; Baltimore Convention; Wilmot Proviso; Mexican War and position heiss would take against Mexico if he were President. 4 pp. ALS.

Introduction of Navy Lt. Boyle. 1 p. AL.

Scope and Contents

Reference to a letter from Capt. Robt. E. Lee and his descriptions of the Mexican battles of Coutreras and Chenibusco; belief that the Administration has underestimated the Mexicans' "power, energy, and perseverance". 4 pp. ALS.

Establishment of a paper in Pittsburgh to oppose the Wilmot Proviso. 1 p. ALS.

Delivery of a bond and payment of interest on it. 1 p. ALS.

Mention of Brithsi Gen. Lane, Major Lully, Col. Childs, Major McCoy, Santa Anna; movement of U.S. troops to Jalapa, mexico; Santa Anna's escape to Puebla and pursuit by Col. Childs; prospects of peace. 2 pp. ALS.

Visit with Col. Fremont; Col. Smyth's private conversation with a Mr. Jones re Ritchie's relation to Col. Fremont. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Answer to an article to the American Whig Review entitled "the President and the Army"; discussion of the military, state militias, West Point Academy, etc. 7 pp. AL.

Securing an appointment to West Point for the son of Mrs. F. Randolph of Fauquier. 1 p. ALS.

Editorial for Ritchie [not enclosed]; duties in Europe; Mexican War; proposed visit of Major Hobbie. 3 pp. AL.

Reference to lt. D.S. Wlson, former editor of the Democratic paper Miner's Express in DuBuque, Iowa. 1 p. ALS.

Introduction of Pearson and his desire to be commissioned and to participate in the war against mexico. 1 p. ALS.

Walker's request for a loan from Congress; funding the war against Mexico. 2 pp. AL.

Legal controversy surrounding the extradition of Lucian N. Metzgar, a French notary charged with forgery by his government. 2 pp. ALS.

Organizing the Democratic party for the Presidential Campaign. 2 pp. ALS.

Division with the Democratic ranks oveer the Wilmot Proviso; right of Congress to interfere in state governments; question of slavery especially in the territories; mention of the Missouri Compromise. 3 pp. ALS.

Southern Views on the course of the Mexican War. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Whig control of the House; Mexican War battles; General Scott's attack upon the capital; General Wool to his new headquarters; General Taylor "will be forced into the political arena". 4 pp. ALS.

Dinner invitation from the Pittsburgh Press. 1 p. LS.

Van Reuthugsen[?]'s investment in a printing speculation; suggestion to Earringer that his friends should not oppose Ritchie in the Senate if they don't want Ritchie to obstruct Gales and Seaton in the House; printing matters between Blair and Rives; notice of a new theatre. 2 pp. ALSgt;.

Desire that Ritchie submit his editorial on time so the paper can go to press and be in the mail at a reasonable hour. 1 p. ALS.

Congressional control of slavery. 4 pp. AMss.

Senator Dickinson's resolutions on slavery; Question of Congress' right to interfere with slavery in the territories; validity of the Missouri Compromise; territory acquired as a result of the war with Mexico. 4 pp. AL.

Subscription to the Union; Walker and his promotion of free trade and an independent treasury; war with Mexico; mention of Gallatin and Clay. 2 pp. ALS.

Reference to article in the Indiana Sentinel; houston's chances to be elected; mention of Andrew Johnson. 2 pp. ALS.

Obtaining a commission in the Army; Mexican War; friendship between Ritchie Stange's father; general Taylor as a Whig nominee for the Presidenty; Clay's chances as a Presidential candidate. 2 pp. ALS.

Approach of the Democratic convention; defense of Polk's Administration in regard to the Mexican War. 1 p. ALS.

Complaint that the Union is not mailed promptly; mention of Mexico and the war; denunciation of the Whig Party. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Importance of constructing a railroad from San Fransisco to the Mississippi River; Gillian's journal "travels in Mexico" which he claims is the first published work to propose such a railroad; Whitney's proposals regarding a railroad from the Columbia River to Lake Michigan; Dallas' plan for a canal across the Isthmus of Tehuantepee. 4 pp. ALS.

Problems confronting the Democratic Party in New York; how to bring harmony to the party at the national convention.3 pp. ALS.

Request for information about benjamin Watkins Leigh. 1 pp. ALS.

Royall's command of U.S. troops on a trip from Council Grove [Kansas] to Fort Mann [Kansas?]; detailed description of Indian attacks while enroute to Fort Mann; mention of Major Thomas J. Bryant, U.S. Army Paymaster. 7 pp. Cy.

Desire by Kuch to be a political writer for Ritchie during the campaign;Kush's selection as the Democratic candidate from prince George's County for the state Senate. 1 p. ALS.

Collins' reasons for not supporting Martin Van Buren for the Presidency. 3 pp. ALS.

Presidential campaign of 1848 and mention of Crittenden, Clay, Taylor; slavery questions; campaign tactics in Massachussetts and Kentucky. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

the "mecklenburg Declaration"; mention of Van Buren, AAron Burr, and Andrew Jackson; desire for an appointment to Belgium. 3 pp. ALS.

Liquidation of Heiss' interest in the Union; possibility of disposing of this interest to George R.Fall, an editor of the Jackson Mississippian. 1 p. ALS.

Martin Van Buren as a Presidential candidate; nomination of Cass and butler; predicted Democratic vote in Mississippi and Alabama; fading support for General Taylor in the South and West. 2 pp. ALS.

General Cass' position on the Wilmot Proviso; disagreement with Ritchie's editorials about Cass; mention of General Taylor, W.J. Brown, and Gov. Feltch. 2 pp. ALS.

Request for documents about Gen. Cass, Gen. Taylor; campaign in a country in North Carolina. 2 pp. ALS.

Displeasure with the command of Lt. A. H. Dearborn and request that he be transferred to Oregon for duty; mention of the Mexican War and slavery. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Election of Generals Cass and Butler; poem "A Democratic Song". 4 pp. ALS Ms. Poem.

Whigs vs. Democrats in Louisiana; election prospects of Cass and Butler in Louisiana; ten points reflecting Taylor's political position. 3 pp. ALS.

Presidential approval od the Oregon Bill and the Wilmot Proviso; selection of Cass and Butler; denunciation of Polk; betrayal felt by Democrats in the South. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Senate speech by Benton "on the nomination of Brig. General Kearney for the brevet of Major General". 1 p ALS.

Belief American principles and freedom are being threatened; propsal of seven questions concerning the Presidential campaign of 1848; mention of Francis p. Blair Martin Van Buren, John Vanhusan, Dewit Clinton, and Daniel D. Thompkins. 3 pp. AL.

Suspension of Casserly; assay reports on Heiss' gold mine. 3 pp. ALS.

Reference to a communication about a friend Vanhusan;mention of John E. Norice and a Mr. Anwhich in the State Department. 1 p. ALS.

Whig Presidential ticket of Filmore and Taylor; slave question; mention of Cass Butler; establishment of a new political paper the Democratic Banner. 3 pp. ALS.

State of political parties around Piqua, Ohio; Strength of the Whig Party in District #4; Whigs as antislavery men; views of Moses Corwin, a candidate for Congress from Ohio; free soil party in Dorsey's country; strength of the Democrats and their support of Cass and Butler; mention of General Taylor. 2 pp. ALS.

Suggestion of the Executive Committee that a pamphlet be written about General Taylor; mention of Polk. 2 pp. ALS.

Whig Party in Connecticut and General Taylor's campaign there; candidacy of Cass and Butler; Whigs in Ohio and Pennsylvania; slavery and tariff issues; mention of Van Buren. 4 pp. ALS.

Arrangements for payment of some of the Union's outstanding debts; richness of the ore in heiss' mine. 2 pp. ALS.

Expected majority vote for Cass in Harrison's area. 1 p. ALS.

Questions submitted in regard to voter qualification in Southern and slaveholding states. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

States' rights vs. Congressional power; mention of the Wilmot Proviso; abolition of slavery; support for General Cass and for Butler; views of General Cass on slavery; included is a poem by Holding " A descriptive peice on Cass Butler". 8 pp. ALS Ms. Poem.

Request for a list of delegates to the New Jersey state convention; political pamphlet about Case and Taylor; distribution of the proposed pamphlet in Tennessee; Cass' predicted victory in Ohio. 1 p. ALS.

Whig handbill by John A. Rogers which slandered Cass; Maguire's attempt to disprove Rogers' charges by citing a statement from General Charles Gratiot. 3 pp. ALS.

French's health and inability to write regularly for the Union; prospects of electing Cass and Butler and their predicted success in the South and New England. 2 pp. ALS.

Desire by the kilby family to obtain a pension from Congress for the services rendered by their father, john Kilby, during the War for Independence; account of John Kilby's actions during that war. 3 pp. ALS.

Ritchie's call to the late President of the B. O. R.R.; possibility of Delaware voting Democratic; letter of McLane's to be published in the Delaware Gazette; expected victory in Pennsylvania. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Preparations for the coming election; circulation of political material "urging [friends] to do their duty"; stand against Taylor and Butler; anticipated election results in various states; mention of Senator Cameron, Cass, and Wilmot; tariff questions; speeches given by B.F. Brown of Ohio and F.W Bowden of Alabama; invitation to Ritchie to address the Spartan Band and many of his old friends in Richmond. Enclosed is a letter October 23, 1848 from N.M.M. to Thomas Ritchie re speeches given by Bowden and Brown. 4 pp. ALS.

Acquisition of Cuba and its effect on Cass' campaign; mention of slavery questions. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Election of Cass Butler; feeling in New York towards these two candidates; mention of Congressman Bowlin from Missouri; composition of the Barnburner faction in New York that is headed by Martin van Buren. Enclosed also is a letter October 28, 1848 from Dorn signed :Late from mexico" to Ritchie re a Barnburners' meeting he attended and his subsequent belief that "this free soil party is to be of very short duration". 3 pp. ALS.

Enclosing a letter from W. T. Young, Lynchburg, to W.T. Thomas Ritchie, Jr. about fraud by the Whig Party in Virginia on the eve of the Presidential election. 4 pp. Al.

Efforts of Democrats in Tennessee to elect Cass and butler; voting predicted in Eastern states. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Predicted election results in Baltimore and surrounding county. Enclosed is a printed circular "Address of the Democratic City Convention, to the Democracy of Maryland" signed by Henry S. Sanderson, W.A. Stewart, and John Carson. 2 pp. ALS. Broadside.

Whig efford in Maine; reference to a circular that was distributed around the state. 1 p. ALS.

Reference to an article written by Patterson. 1 p. ALS.

Death of Barbour's son, Calhoun, and desire that a notice be inserted in the Union. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Just published pamphlet with some comments about the Wilmot Proviso; publisher may send Ritchie more for distribution; refers to "Sophisms of the Protective policy"; wishes it were published in tract form for country wide distribution to promote free trade; attitude in New England towards commerce; need for international free trade association. 8 pp. ALS.

Asks for additional accounts from California, especially about Gov. Mason, Stevenson, or Marcy's son. Including Marcy's reply to the effect he has no additional information from Mason or his son but that Stevenson wrote he will be leaving for the mines. 3 pp. ALS.

Report based on tests at the mint verifying the quality of gold being taken from California mines. 1 p. ALS.

Cooperation between Col. Benton and Calhoun over a revenue tariff; mention of [George] Bancroft; problems encountered with the mail service, especially in Bellville; Van buren and the Texas question; list of Democrats anticipated by Penn to become Presidential Candidates; reference to the Baltimore Convention. 3 pp. incomplete. ALS.

Scheme propsed by the Boston capitalists to finance a railroad to the Pacific; mention of P.P Degrand. 2 pp. Ms.

Scope and Contents

Encloses article "Poetical Epistle From Gen. Taylor to Major Jack Downing" which is a comment on Taylor's Administration. 4 pp. ALS.

Buck's family background and political leanings; suggestion that Ritchie write a book on the political history of the U.S.; Buck's reflections on Whig influence in education and the thrust of abolitionism and religion into politics. 4 pp. ALS.

Doherty's employment background and desire to be a reporter for the Union. 3 pp. ALS.

Taylor as a Presidential candidate; Clay's return to the Senate; politics of John Bell; mention of Buchanan; Cass' nomination; major campaign issues of the tarriff, bank, internal improvements, the Wilmot Proviso. 1 p. ALS.

Views of Robison; mention of William Hardin and Joesph Wright; subscription to the Union; cantaining slavery within its present limits. 1 p. ALS.

Reference to an article by Judge Clifton of Jackson Mississippi, which argues the point of view of the Supreme Court of Mississippi as opposed to the view of the Supreme Court of the United States. 2 pp. ALS.

Introduction of Wick's cousin and reference to a letter writen by him. 2 pp. ALS.

Expression of admiration for Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

1 p. NC1.

Construction of a railroad from St. Louis to San Francisco; plans to finance the project; mention of Degrand, Whitney, Bayard, and Sentator Benton's proposals; success of Western railroad from Boston to Albany; consideration of the Pacific consumer market for manufactured and agricultural products. 4 pp. ALS.

Treaty of Guadulupe Hildalgo compared to the Treaty of Dover; Wilmot Proviso; railroad to San Francisco; mention of Degrand. 4 pp. ALS.

Building of a railroad to California. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Article from the Louisiana Courier in relation to appointments to office by Gen. Taylor"; Wagner's "hope that all loco foco officers would be dismissed" by Taylor; mistake of applying the dismissal of officers to include the collector of the port of New Orleans; defense of the collector by Wagner. 3 pp. ALS.

Copy of a letter from S. D. Rowan of the McMinnville, Tennessee, about Ritchie's loss of privileges in the Senate. 1 p. ALS.

Discrepancies in Congressional printing costs between work of Wendell and Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

Heiss' plans to return to Washington; Ritchie's printing for the Congress; books ordered for Ritchie; financial misunderstanding between Heiss and Cocoran and Riggs. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Article signed "West Virginia" ny Swann contrasting the character of Northern and Southern men, especially in regaurd to property principles.

Acquiring land from Ritchie in order to build an Episcopal Church. 1 p. ALS.

Introduction of Col. Chapman Livy of Mississippi. 1 p. ALS.

Death of Jeremiah Cobb; discontinuation of a subscription to the Union. 1 p. ALS.

Outstanding bills for Congressional printing; failure of the paper True Sun; effort to start a new Democratic paper in New York City; debut of George Gideon's The Republic; mention of W.D. Wallach. Gen. Foote, Col. Webb, and Gov. Graham. 2 pp. ALS.

Debut of The Republic; new subscriptions to the Union; visit with debut of The Republic; new subscriptions to the Union; visit with Judge Bryan; rumor of a merger of the National Whig into The Republican; financial problems stemming from Congressional printing. 2 pp. ALS.

Miss [Margaret] Fuller's history of Italy and talents as a writer; her association with the New York Tribune and desire to write for another paper at a better salary. 4 pp. ALS.

Comparison of people in the South and North with emphasis on the character of the New York massess; details of the public reception given Father Mathews, a temperance leader. 4 pp. ALS.

Relation between the Union and the New York Evening Post; Col. Webb's views on Gen. Cass. 3 pp. ALS.

Acknowledgement of a generous gift; business matters of the Union. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Poem presented for publication in the Union, "A Tribute to the Memory of James K Polk" 2 pp. ALS. Ms. Poem.

Scope and Contents

"Kidnapping a Spaniard at New Orleans by an Emissary of the Cuban government"; independence of Cuba. 1 p. ALS.

Article [not enclosed] sbmitted to the Union by Gideon Welles; examination of Smith's pamphlet against the Democratic Party and recomendation that it not be published; refutation of Smith's charge against Burke; New Republic as a defender of the Democrats; questions of whether slavery is the issue among Democrats; belief that slavery must be abandoned as the main article in the Democratic Party creed. 3 pp. ALS.

Expression of sadness over the death of James K. polk by the Dialectic Society of the University of North Carolian. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Copy of an article submitted to The Republic by Salle under the name 'Whigissimus"; Salle's request to also have the article published in the Union. 10 pp. ALS.

Article addressing several questions to the Union regarding slavery in the territories, executive patronage, and biased reporting; mention of John C. Calhoun, Thomas H. Benton, and Martin Van Buren. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Copy of a communication "From the New York Observer--Did Britain force Slavery Upon America" signed "Necker"; inaugaration of Polk; elections in Kentucky. 3 pp. ALS.

Introduction of Stafford and his family; detailed account of repeated attempts by Stafford's sister to obtain information about a claim pending in Congress. 4 pp. ALS.

Cooke's journal about the desert between Tueson Sonora and the Gila River. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Establishment of a new Democratic paper at Leesburg, Virginia, by Clary and Greer and another in New Market by David Hendrick. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Removal of W.A.R. Singleton the Post Master at Amissville"; remarks by "Hamlet" in an earlier article about Singleton's removal; political ramifications of this controversy on General Taylor and his Cabinet; mention of the Wilmot Proviso. 5 pp. ALS.

Introduction of Judge Wash. 1 p. ALS.

Presidential ambitions of Clay and Webster. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Article signed "A thinking observer" [by Booth] which looks at the character and principles of the Whig Party and compares them to those of the Tory Party in England. 3 pp. ALS.

Gift of a horse, Rocky Mountain, to General Z. Taylor. 2 pp. ALS.

Reference to article by Breckenridge. 1 p. ALS

Reaction to Whig journalism. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"John Hampden" article in the Union; that article's influence over the French population in Loisiana; mention of Emile LaSere and Peter K. Wagner. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Railroad between the Mississippi River and the territories of Oregon and California; Davidson's arguments challenging the assumed "practicability and utility" of such a railroad; analysis of the territories' population, commerce, agricultural production; proposeal of air travel as being a more practical link between sections of the country. 5 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reference to address made by Rev. George A. Coffey on "social classes" before the Literary Societies of Dickinson College; Coffey's qualifications to be Chaplain of the House of Representatives. 2 pp. ALS.

Reaction of Mississippi and Georgia to the Wilmot Proviso; union of the Whigs and Democrats in Georgia over the Proviso; mention of the Missouri Compromise; belief in the South that the Confederacy can no longer yield power to Congress on the subject of slavery; mention of Henry Clay; warning to the North. 4 pp. ALS.

Circular addressed to diplomats in Central America; U.S. acquisition of the Island of Tigre; question of Honduras' right to cede Tigre to the U.S.; diplomatic and commercial problems that might arise from the U.S. occupation of Tigre, especially with England. 6 pp. ALS.

Payment of a subscription to the Union; Quin's political background. 2 pp. ALS.

Forwarding Simpson's copies of the union to Columbus, Ohio; expression of thanks for the fine quality of the Union. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Formation of a "Patriotic Junta for the promotion of the Political interests of Cuba"; mention of general Narciso Lopez. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Article "to general Zachary Taylor President of the United States" with comments on his Administration. 4 pp. AL.

Ritchie's responsibilities as a public printer. 2 pp. Doc. Cy.

Account of expenses incurred by Ritchie for printing Pesident Taylor's obituary. 2 pp. Doc.Cy.

2 pp. Doc.Cy.

Letter to Mr. Lynch; possibility of visiting with Ritchie. 1 p. ALS.

Report printed in the Daily Globe concerning remarks made by McLane in the House; W.D. Wallach's desire to reprint the report in a condensed version; McLane's preference for a full reprint. 4 pp. ALS.

Announcement from the Philomathean Society of Ohio UNiversity that Ritchie has been chosen a member. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Quashy's" escape from the South and his plan to live in a house in Albany owned by Seward[?] 1 p. Cy.

Scope and Contents

Three Questions directed to the Union to discern whether or not it is "a disunion paper" and its editors "disunionists". 3 pp. ALS.

Romeyer as propietor of the New York Globe; dismissal of the editor Du Salle; changes made in the paper's contents; efford to establish party harmony; vote on the Wilmot Proviso. 2 pp. ALS.

5 pp. AMs.

Letter Ritchie wrote in regard to Texas and General Houston; state of Lucas' health after a riding accident; Lucas' desire to see a friend Stevenson and to discuss farming with him; support for General Cass. 4 pp. ALS.

Copy of Lott's letter to President Zachary Taylor enclosed to Ritchie and Burke for possible inclusion in the Union; concerns the rights of the South. 3 pp. ALS.

Hunter's willingness to help "defeat any contruction [?] against [Ritchie?]" 1 p. ALS.

Warning to Young that no one else from Illinois should be appointed a House of Representatives clerk, especially if Young desired re-election to his position. Includes AN by S.L. Lewis. 2 pp. AL.

Available clerkships in Congress and how the positions are filled; mention of Judge Richard Montgomery Young. 2 pp. ALS.

His astonishment at Colo. Randolph's card; the Compromise [of 1850], " a great crisis in our affairs." [Handwriting difficult]. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Gibson's relation to the abolitionists. Enclosed also are notes by Gibson 22 23 May re: belief Ritchie has "wholly miscalculated the spirit of the South"; establishment of a paper to represent the South; effect of the Compromise of 1850. 4 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Southern reaction to the Compromise of 1850; belief Southerners will accept the compromise since the only other alternatives are "Taylor's plan and disunion"; cautious responce of the Southern press; mention of the Nashville Convention. 3 pp. ALS

French S. Evans, Chairman, and James A. Kennedy Benj. F. Pleasants, Secretaries. 2 pp. Doc. Draft.

Abolition of slavery; compensation to enslavers; distribution of Black people; mention of John Krepps Miller, President Taylor, Henry Clay, and Thomas Benton. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Desire for a "radical and salutory change" in regard to working conditions and printing schedules. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Predicted "remodeling of parties" due to actions taken on the compromise; weakness of Gen. Cass as a party leader; possibility of Clay's candidacy for the Presidential office; the tariff and a U.S. Bank as campaign issues; influence of a "Cuban Invasion"; abolition of slavery. 3 pp. ALS.

High regard felt for Ritchie; comments recieved by Whetstone on a letter he sent to a member of Congress; mention of the Nashville Convention; effect of Ritchie's relation with Burke; belief that passage of the Wilmot Proviso would lead to disunion. conclusions reached by Whetstone in regard to the South's political relations with the North. 5 pp. ALS.

Posibility that the Governor of South Carolina might appoint Hamilton to fill a vacancy in the Senate; compromise over the slavery question; mention of Henry Clay. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Unity of the Democratic Party; relations between Northern Southern Democrats; mention of the Missouri Compromise; belief disunion will result if the South is forced to accept the Compromise of 1850; convention at Nashville; consideration given the Omnibus Bill; "sacrifice of political and social rights of the south"; Smith's questioning of Ritchie's leadership in the Democratic ranks. 4 pp. ALS.

Extension of slavery in the territories. 8 pp. incomplete. AL.

Scope and Contents

Appointment of a bipartisan committee to discuss "questions of slavery and the best means of settling it"; desire to have the Union preserved; advocacy of compromise; praise of the work done by Clay. 2 pp. ALSs.

Scope and Contents

The Compromise Bill as the salvation of the Union; "eccentric course" of Thomas H. Benton; opposition to the compromise. 4 pp. ALS.

Support for Clay's compromise measures; why the North and South should accept the compromise; an appeal to patriotism. 2 pp. ALS.

His letter to Hon. John K Miller giving his views about the National Bank, tariff, all the "isms' of Europe, slavery, the Nashville Convention, the Wilmot Proviso, etc. 4 pp. ALS.

Promotion of Ritchie's interests in reference to the Congressional printing contract. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Information requested about "a man by name John Tench or Tanch". 2 pp. AL.

1 p. Ms. Poem.

Vote on the Compromise of 1850; desire to have the slavery question settles; comparison of abolitionists' fanaticism to that of the crusade against witches. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Formation of slave states bordering on Mexico"; annexation of Texas; mention of William R. King; colonization movement; eradication of slavery; "working slaves in the mines". 3 pp. ALS.

Cancellation of Hutchin's subscription to the Union; "aggression by the Northern section on the Doomed South; compromise over slavery and the 36-30 division of territory; mention of Henry Clay, Thomas H. Benton, and Henry S. Foote; political feelings in Georgia. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Details of what Swanzy[?] consider to be a "grand scheme to invade, subdue plunder the South"; belief that "the South, in a civil war, can whip the North"; denunciation of the Compromise of 1850; mention of Clay, Webster, Foote and Benton as "demigogues"; admission of Texas and California to the Union; "coalition, between Clay the federal party, to proscribe the entire democracy". 3 pp. ALS.

Death of Jona. Cilley; correspondence between H.A. Wise and Henry Clay. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Acquisition of bronze guns "to be cast into an equestrian statue of Gen. Jackson"; mention of Major General Scott, former Secretary of War, and Major Mordecai, commander at the Washington arsenal. 2 pp. ALS.

Slavery as a cause of disunion; disapproval of the Union's position on the slavery question; California bill the predicted effect of its passages on Georgia; feeling that Southerners are not fairly represented in the government and the Congress. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Subscription to the Union; compromise measures to settle the slavery question; strict adherance to the Constitution; defeat of the Democratic Party in Missouri; "traitorous" actions of Benton in Missouri; mention of James K. Polk. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Displeasure expressed over the compromise bills; Wilmot Proviso; slavery in the territories; "inevitability" of "resistance or unconditional submission" on the part of the South; effect of the compromise measures on the Democratic party in the South; mention of the Nashville Convention; status of the Whig Party in the South. 6 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Purchase of Gallinas for recolonization of slaves presently living in Ohio. Enclosed is a broadside, August 23, 1850, "Ohio in Africa" by David Christy, an agent for the American Colonization Society for Ohio. 3 pp. ALS Broadside.

Delay in sending proofs to the Patent Office because of a printers' strike; mention of Jenny Lind; family news. 3 pp. AlS

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement from the paper; sectional differences. Includes pencilled note by Ritchie. 3 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; support of Ritchie and his expressed position on the political events; reaction in Mississippi to sectional compromises over slavery; dissolution of the country. Note by Ritchie included. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Southerners' reaction to Ritchie's support of compromise measures over slavery. Pencilled note by Ritchie included. 3 pp. ALS.

Request for the return of an article written by Robertson dealing with the colonization of negroes in California. 2 pp. ALS.

Eulogy on General Jackson; meeting soon with Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; expression of confidence in Ritchie; the slavery issue; hope that Congress will act justly on Ritchie's relief claim during its next session. Includes a note by Ritchie. 3 pp. ALS.

1 p. Newspaper.

His retirement, Nashville Convention, Wilmot Proviso. [Handwriting difficult]. 6 pp. ALS.

Law in Massachusetts concerning the marriage of whites and negroes; passage of the fugitive slave bill; mention of Webster, Horace Mann, and Orin P. Fowler; Andrews' preference of love over violence to settle the slavery conroversy; proposal for eventual emancipation. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's support of compromise; comment on the seeming "madness of the hour". 3 pp. ALS.

Congressional handling of a bill important to Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Wallach's desire to continue as the Union's New York correspondent after Ritchie retires; Ritchie's claim for rleief before Congress; Cass' prospects in New York; "barnburners" in the New York legislature. 3 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; losses sustained by Ritchie from his Congressional printing. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Invitation to Ritchie "on behalf of the Democracy of Richmond"; request that Ritchie respond quickly to the invitation [not enclosed] 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Payment of subscription to the Union; Nicoll's interest in Ritchie and his paper; Ritchie's retirement. Enclosed also is a letter March 28, 1951, from John C. Nicoll to Thomas Ritchie re payment given one of Ritchie's agents for the subscription. 3 pp. ALS.

Subcription to the Union; Payment due Ritchie for Congressional printing; Ritchie's efforts in support of the Constitution and harmony among states. 3 pp. ALS.

Desire to edit a book containing copies of the Richmond Enquirer and the Union from the past 47 years. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement and loss of his case before congress. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Congressional defeat of Ritchie's private relief bill; Ritchie's retirement from the Union; "strict construction" of the Constitution as "the great safeguard of the South"; slavery question and internal improvement schemes held as threats to the South. 2 pp. ALS,

Ritchie's retirement from editorial life; compliments to Ritchie as a patriotic citizen and leader of the best Democratic newspaper; Congressional injustice done to Ritchie in rejecting his claim for printing costs. 1 p. ALS.

Payment of a subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement; hope that the next session of Congress will approve Ritchie's relief bill. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement.1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; expression of gratitude to Ritchie for his services; hope that Congress will yet deal fairly with Ritchie. Includes note by Ritchie. 3 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement; controversy between Ritchie and Rives; relief bill before Congress. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Ritchie's interest in Harrison's "treatise on the Latin etymology and Syntax"; mention of A. Byrd and his training at the University of Virginia. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the union; Ritchie's retirement; Stanton's re-election to Congress. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; hope that the next session of Congress will approve of Ritchie's request for financial relief; Ritchie's contribution to his party and country. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; veneration for Ritchie's character; hope that the next session of Congress will do justice to Ritchie's relief claim. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement, agreement with Ritchie's political views. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; agreement with Ritchie's views concerning the South and compromise over slavery; belief Major Donalson and his partner General Armstrong will not have strong influence over the public; injustice of treattment given Ritchie by Congress. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement; Congressional action against Ritchie. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement; includes a pencilled note by Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement; injustice done by Congress against Ritchie; news of Hawkins' family; mention of Senator Mallory from Florida and a Mr. Breckenbrough. 3 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement; mention of F.P. Stanton. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement. 2 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the UNion; Ritchie's retirement. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement. 1 p. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; comment on Donelson as Ritchie's successor; defeat of Ritchie;s claim before Congress; mention of Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, Filmore, Van Buren and Stanton; including note by Ritchie. 3 pp. ALS.

Subscription to the Union; Ritchie's retirement. 1 p. ALS.

1 p. Accounts.

2 pp. Accounts.

Scope and Contents

Introduction of "Dr. George and his brother mr. Edward d'Oettingen, gentlemen of Russia". 1 p. ALS.

Copy of Harrison's work on Latin grammar; introduction od D'Alfonce, an instructor in drawing and gymnastics at the University of Virginia. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reference to Andrew Stevenson as a possible candidate for the office of Vice President. Enclosed is a newspaper clipping from the Daily Pennsylvanian dated March 3, 1852 entitled "Our Next Vice President" by "Many Democrats". 2 pp. ALS and NC1

Sermon of Doctor Butler; acknowledgement of expressions of sympathy. 1 p. ALS.

2pp.

Scope and Contents

Request for a biographical sketch of Ritchie for inclusion in abook "Men of the Time in 1852". 1 p. ALS.

Explanation of items on a statement; printing expenses shared by Ritchie and Farnham; Farnham's financial status. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Invitation to attend "a Grand Democratic Mass Meeting, at...New Market". 1 p. AL.

Scope and Contents

"estimate of the prices fixed by the bill for 'Public Printing,' which has passed the House of Representatives". Includes note by Ritchie. 3 pp. ALS.

Ritchie's tribute to Henry Clay; passage of a bill for Ritchie's relief in regard to the Congressional printing; suggestion that Ritchie write a book. 3 pp. ALS.

General Scott's defense against John Q. Adams' 1843 statement in the House of Representatives that Scott was a slaveowner. 1 p. ALS.

Correspondence regarding the compromise; mention of Clay, Calhoun, Cass, Webster; Ritchie's problems with a printing contract. 2 pp. ALS.

1 p. Account with receipt.

Scope and Contents

Examination of printing costs "intended to cover the Taylor Pamphlets". 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reference to a letter from Ritchie "containing remeniscences of Henry Clay and the Compromise"; policy of the present Administration; Hinford's [?] attitude towards the Democratic and Whig parties. 4 pp. ALS.

Invitation for the Ritchie family to call upon the Websters. 1 p. ALS.

Request for a letter of recomendation from Ritchie. 1 p. ALS.

Statement from the printing committee that Ritchie will be compensated for expenses resulting from the printing of the Taylor obituary pamphlet. 1 p. ADS.

Scope and Contents

White's address "to the Presidential Electoral College of Wisconsin". 1 p. ALS.

QueComplimentary letter to Meade; question of internal improvements and disposition of public lands. 2 pp. ALS.

Invitation to play whist. 1 p. ALS.

Reference to Robinson's brother; Ritchie's retirement; acquisition of magnolia blooms. 1 p. ALS.

Claim document from Col. Forney; dismissal of Mr. Belt and 20 others from the union office by Mr. Curran; account with Mr. Blake under the supervision of Mr. Cross; mention of the Taylor pamphlet. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Invitation to visit Mann; "celebration of the 77th anniversery of American Independence"; dinner guests attending the celebration which included Daniel Dewey Barnard, U.S. Minister to Prussia, and Consul Ralph King; reflection on the vastness of the U.S.; belief annexation of territory and interest in gold will bring discord between the states; "reports about the Turkish-Russian War"; sale of property lots in Washington. 4 pp. ALS.

Scott's voyage to Rio with his son; Edward kent's efforts to make Scott acquainted with his new position as Consul; Scott's first impressions of Rio and his duties. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Anti-nullification" correspondence; reduction of the tariff; account of Littell's career in journalism; mention of Gen. Jackson, Mr. McLane, Henry Clay; desire to find a businessman with whom to publish a paper in New York. 3 pp. ALS.

Anticipated rift in Congress along sectional, party and/or/ individual lines; legislation on internal improvements, harbors, a pacific railroad; military vunerability of California and Oregon; Calhoun at the memphis Convention; Compromise of 1850. Includes a note by Ritchie. 4 pp. ALS.

Accounts for the printing of the Taylor obiturary pamphlet. 2 pp. Doc. Cy.

Relationship between Henry Clay and Mr. Boyd. 2 pp. ALS.

3 pp. ADS.

Scope and Contents

"Shares of stock in the Farmers Bank of Virginia"; receipt for money recieved in payment of paper for Congressional printing; mention of John Trenholm and Mr. Towers. 3 pp. ALS.

Virginia State Fair and questions about distributing seed and improving an exhibition; distribution of an agricultural report; mention of F.G. Ruffin. 3 pp. LS.

Scope and Contents

Speech by Judge Bayly; meeting "in relation to the Jamestown celebration". 1 p. ALS.

Brief accounts of matters being dealt with by the House and Senate. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Proposed meeting to "talk over the affairs of the nation". 1 p. ALS.

Editorial in the Union. 1 p. ALS.

Celebration at Jamestown; support of William Allen for the reaping match during the celebration. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Apologies for an "unfortunate misunderstanding" and desire to "forget and forgive". Enclosed also is a letter February 15, 1854, from Thomas Ritchie to [?]. Re. Receipt of a "noble letter" and wish also to let "by gones be by gones". 3 pp. L.

Adjustment of the tariff. 1 p. ALS.

Honorary membership in the State Historical Society of Wisconsin accorded to Ritchie. 2 pp. L.

Ritchie's health; Mr. Buchanan in England; foreign papers for Ritchie. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Speech of Mr. Boyce; "report on Free Banking"; Ritchie's health; greetings to Ritchie's family. 3 pp. ALS.

Acknowledgement of the receipt of the letter from Ritchie. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Manuscript relating to the Colony at Jamestown". 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

"Manuscript written by Mr. [Hugh Blair] Grigsby"; "interest in the Jamestown settlement"; wishes for Ritchie's recovery of good health. 1 p. ALS.

State of Ritchie family burying grounds and vault; estimated repair costs for the vault cover and brick work. 1 p. ALS.

Papers desired by Ritchie that may be in the possession of a Mr. [Alexander Gordon] Penn; weakness of the Administration; acquisition of Cuba. 1 p. ALS.

Ritchie's account with the Comptrollers Office in the Treasury Department; request to see Mr. Edgerton. 1 p. ALS.

Letter from Mr. Girffin of Montreal; mention of Gov. Pownall; receipt of an essay. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Letter from Mr. Griffin of Montreal; essay "Junius Discovered"; Ritchie's desire to recieve a copy of Griffin's work; mention of Gov. Pownall and Lord John Russell; mention of letters from Gov. Pownall to Rev. Dr. Cooper; comment on the weather. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reference to "a copy of the affidavit of Mr. Holland, that accompanied [Ritchie's] account for printing the Obituary Taylor pamphlet". 1 p. ALS.

Expenses incurred in printing Taylor's obituary; Ritchie's health. 1 p. ALS.

Griffin's essay on Junius; letters of Governor Pownall; comparison of writing styles of Junius and Pownall; questions regarding Gov. Pownall's family; mention of John Russell. 3 pp. ALS.

Reference to an article from a New Hampshire paper. 2 pp. ALS.

Settlement of Ritchie's account with the Treasury Department; incorrect deduction made by Elisha Whittlesey. 1 p. ALS.

Shipment of a cask of Madeira wine. Enclosed is a bill for $84. 2 pp. ALS.

Meeting of a society whose chairman was Beverly Tucker; poor attendance at the meeting especially by the Virginia delegates; Dunnington's responsibility for the unsold tickets to the meetings; Ritchie's poor health. 2 pp. ALS.

Meeting with Ritchie; a draft of money; health of Tom. 1 p. AL.

Present of silk stockings. 1 p. ALS.

Obtaining an appointment at West point Military Academy for a youth named Henry. 1 p. ALS.

Accounts relating to the Taylor pamphlet; Ritchie's health. 1 p. ALS.

Ritchie's poor health; Trueheart's interest in William and his new bride; examination of old business files. 3 pp. ALS.

Mention of John Trenholm, Col. J.A. Parker, Ritchie's son [William Foushee Ritchie] and his bride; title of the Compiler in a library; hope that Ritchie's health improves. 1 p. ALS.

1 p. Receipt

Scope and Contents

Concern about a meeting in Baltimore; mention of the editors of the Baltimore American, David Wilmot, Mr. Giles, and a Mr. Carey; McLane's rejection of being labeled an "advocate of sectional rights". 3 pp. ALS.

Comments about keeping the Sotuh unified; slavery question; abolitionists mentioned. 3 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Reply to a letter from Ritchie requesting to be informed of "the causes which delay the [Union} every night" and "what should be done to facilitate operations". 3 pp. ALS.

Wiglesworth's background and desire to secure an appointment to a mail agency between Washington and Richmond. 1 p. ALS.

Reorganization of the Weekly and Daily Union to provide for more variety in the columns. 2 pp. ALS.

Includes note by Ritchie. 4 pp. AMs.

Subscription to the Union in exchange for articles from Benjamin's failure in Baltimore with his paper the Western Continent; effect of the last tariff act in New England. 3 pp. ALS.

A.J. Donelson's appeal to Democratic Senators; Sale of Ritchie's share in the Union. 3 pp. ALS.

Editorial in the Western Christian Advocate about the president and his wife. 1 p. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Houston's "omission of a full report of Mr. J.E. Holmes' remarks"; why houston was obliged to submit an abbreviated report; houston's attempts to clarify the matter. 2 pp. ALS.

Present of new books; mention of authoress Madame Calderon; Andrew Stevenson's stay at Blenheim. 3 pp. ALS.

Claims of the heirs of John Paul Jones before Congress; John Paul Jones as a resident of Virginia. 1 p. LS.

Scope and Contents

political topics with references to [Henry] Clay, John Tyler, and Gen. [lewis] Cass. Including postscript (frag.) [Handwriting difficult]. 2 pp. ALS.

Death of General Dawson; confidential statement about some matter involving Ritchie. Includes note from Ritchie. 2 pp. ALS.

Scope and Contents

issues from Hutawa's paper representing "western locations"; mention of the Democratic Cable. 1 p. ALS.

Letter from a mutual friend Scott; excellent weather; Ritchie's health. 1 p. ALS.

Publication of a letter of McLane's father to general Foote; mention of General Cass. 1 p. ALS.

Letter of McLane's father in the Delware Gazetta; predicted election results in Maryland. 3 pp. ALS.

Financial negotiations involving the sale of Ritchie's share in the Union. 1 p. ALS.

Problems distributing the Union through the mail; suggestion that the date be changed on the paper. 2 pp. ALS.

Papers received from mr. Fletcher. 2 pp. ALS.

Copy of the account of the "Massacre of Glencoe (Scotland)" enclosed to Ritchie to warn Americans "against Kings and Mercenary standing Armies." 5 pp. incomplete. ALS.

Scope and Contents

Desire to give an "impartial history" of difficulties existing between Cherokee Indians, "old Settlers", and the government. 1 p. ALS.

The exemplary religious observances of President Polk and his wife. 1 p. NC1.

2 pp. Doc.

1 p. Doc. Draft

7 pp. Ms,

1 p. Ms.

Biographical / historical:

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Gift

Arrangement:

The collection is divided into two series: series I are the family papers of the Ritchie and Harrison families; and series II are the professional papers of Thomas Ritchie while editor of the Washington Union.

Physical / technical requirements:

When available, microfilm, photocopies, digital surrogates, or other reproductions must be used in place of original documents.

Physical description:

856 items

Related

Related material:

Additional Thomas Ritchie Papers are in the Library of Congress.

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Compromise of 1850
Legal documents
Newspapers--History--19th century
Oregon History To 1859
Presidents--United States--Election--1844
Presidents--United States--Election--1848
Printers--District of Columbia
Slavery--Virginia--19th century
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States--History--Mexican War, 1845-1848
Wilmot proviso, 1846
Correspondence
Diaries
Financial records

Names:

Harrison family
Ritchie family
Ritchie, Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt, 1819-1870

Places:

Virginia--Politics and Government